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Project to research Epizootic Lymphangitis in equines
Symptoms of EZL can include skin nodules and abscesses.

Charities and organisations unite to tackle disease in Sub-Saharan Africa

The University of Liverpool, Brooke, SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) and the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust have teamed up to start a new five-year project to research the effects of epizootic lymphangitis (EZL) on equines and owners in Sub-Saharan Africa.

While EZL has not been present in the UK since 1906, the disease is still prevalent in the Sub-Saharan African area.

Horses, donkeys and mules are still relied upon in this region for farming and transport, and EZL can have a devastating effect on a herd as well as the owner’s family income.

The aim of the project is to gain more understanding of the disease and to develop effective action plans to prevent and treat. Not only will this improve the welfare for equines but it will also hold far reaching benefit over local communities.

EZL is a fungal infection that is highly contagious and can result in pus-contained skin nodules and abscesses along the neck and limbs as well as swelling and lameness. The eyes and respiratory system may also be affected.

Brooke, a UK-based equine charity, has been present in Sub-Saharan Africa since 2001 and its funding programmes have helped an estimated 13 million equines across the region.

SPANA operates across developing countries and administers free veterinary treatment to working animals.

The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust provides mobile veterinary clinics and also offers training in equine welfare to Gambians.

Donations to the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust can be made here.
Donations to SPANA can be made here.
Donations to Brooke can be made here.

 

Image (c) Brooke

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.