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Dogs to be trained to sniff out lung cancer
There is a need for cheaper and less intrusive methods of mass screening for lung cancer.
Funding received for first stage of research 

Researchers in New Zealand are exploring whether dogs can be trained to detect lung cancer from breath and saliva samples.

Dr Tim Edwards from the University of Waikato has received a grant of £30,000 to conduct the first part of his research. His team will train pet dogs, including his own dog Tui, to identify the disease using a fully automated scent detection mechanism for dogs.

The dogs will put their muzzle into a device, breaking a beam of light as they sniff the sample. If the dog holds its nose inside for a set period of time, it will be considered a positive indication and the dog receives a food treat.

Dr Edwards - who has also worked overseas using giant pouched rats to sniff out tuberculosis - said there is a need for cheaper and less intrusive methods of mass screening for lung cancer. Often it is too late by the time patients are referred for testing.

“The disease has a high mortality rate, so being able to make even a small difference would help save lives.”

Work is currently being done on developing ‘e-noses’ to detect disease electronically. One day, Dr Edwards said patients may be able to breathe into a machine that can identify disease, but this is not currently a reality.

“Right now we do have dogs,” he added, “and they have some potential according to existing research - but we need to clarify how reliable they can be.”

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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...
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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