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SBV blood test in development
Field test for SBV in progress

The Institute for Animal Health (IAH) has confirmed that scientists from other EU Member States have developed a blood test which may be able to detect antibodies produced as a response to exposure to the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV).

The IAH and other organisations are currently investigating the possibility that the test can be adapted for use in the field instead of in the laboratory, raising the prospect of farmers and vets being able to confirm the health status of animals in their care faster and with reduced expense.

SBV can only be detected at present through laboratory analysis of samples from stillborn and deformed lambs and calves. At last count, 190 farms had confirmed cases of SBV in the UK, of which 14 were in cattle and 176 were in sheep. 

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk