Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Barcode DNA sequencer innovation fights wildlife crime
The device will raise awareness of the extent of the illegal wildlife trade.

Leicester team wins prize for proposal

A University of Leicester team has been awarded a $10,000 prize for an innovation that uses DNA barcodes to combat wildlife trafficking.  

Dr Jon Wetton from the University’s Department of Genetics entered the Wildlife Crime Tech Challenge with the MinION, a portable DNA sequencing device.

The device, developed by Oxford Nanopore Technologies, combats the wildlife trafficking trade by identifying species of origin of animal derivatives.

In combination with VoITRAX, an on-site sample preparation device, the team intend to fully automate DNA analysis.

The two devices provide a cheap and rapid test that can be used by law enforcement and customs, producing results about one hour from collecting a sample.

Samples could include bloodstains from machetes, bushmeat and the use of protected species in the caviar trade.

In collaboration with field organisations such as the Kenya Wildlife Service and Panthera, the device will also raise awareness of the extent of the illegal trade.

Dr Wetton said: “We hope to demonstrate proof of concept within a year. This initial grant will help demonstrate how the test could be used to detect traces of elephant and rhino blood in poaching cases.”

The Wildlife Tech Challenge is an initiative of the U.S Agency for International Development.

There were 16 winners, from 300 creators, each with the opportunity to bid for a further $500,000 award in implement solutions that tackle the global illegal wildlife trafficking trade crisis, expected to be worth $20 billion.

Image (C) University of Leicester

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com