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Moredun releases animation on Toxoplasmosis
"This video will be an incredible educational tool for different audiences" - Dr Hilda Fátima Jesus Pena.
The educational resource outlines how to tackle the disease.

The Moredun Research Institute and the University of São Paulo (USP) have created a short animated film to educate people on Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

Produced by Ping Creates, led by Selina Wagner, 'Tackling Toxoplasmosis' is available in English and Portuguese.

Funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBRSC), and the São Paulo Research Foundation, Brazil (FAPESP), the animation describes the life cycle, transmission routes and control options for the parasite. 

Toxoplasma gondii can infect all warm-blooded animals, and is shed in the faeces of cats. The parasite can cause abortion in sheep, and can also be transmitted to people through undercooked infected meat and contaminated water. 

In some areas of the world, including South America, some strains of the parasite can cause severe disease. 

The animation presents the control options that farmers can take to prevent infection in livestock, and for people to avoid becoming infected from contaminated food or water. 

Dr Hilda Fátima Jesus Pena, principal scientist at University of  São Paulo and co-investigator on BBSRC-FAPESP grant, said: “Ping Creates did a really great job with this animated video. 

“We enjoyed contributing ideas to the video and helping with the Brazilian Portuguese translation of the narration. 

“Toxoplasmosis occurs widely in Brazil, and the video will be an incredible educational tool for different audiences (it is clear, light in tone, and thoroughly informative). We hope it will increase awareness regarding this significant disease.” 

Dr Clare Hamilton, project lead on BBSRC-FAPESP grant, commented: “We really enjoyed working with Selina and her team, and they have done a superb job creating a fun and engaging animation. 

“The life cycle and transmission routes of Toxoplasma can be quite complicated, but the animation makes it easy to follow and gets all the key points across. 

“It is a fantastic educational resource for us to share with farmers, stakeholders, and members of the public, both in the UK and Brazil.”

The animation can be watched here. 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.