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Scientists create synthetic form of SBV
Schmallenberg study raises vaccine hopes

Scottish scientists have made a synthetic version of the Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in the laboratory, raising hopes for the development of a vaccine for the disease.

The synthetic version was formed so that scientists were able to study its genetics and how it infects farm animals. They manipulated the virus's genetic sequence so it was more and less severe during the study.

Experiments showed that, if the virus is passed to calves or lambs during pregnancy, it replicates itself in the brain cells and spinal cords of the unborn animals.

Massimo Palmarini and Alan Kohl led the study at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research.

Professor Palmarini said: "This is the first time we have been able to manipulate the genome of SBV in this way. We now know much more about how the virus causes the disease than we did a couple of months ago."

SBV was first discovered in Germany in November 2011 and has since spread to the UK, via midges that were blown over from the continent. The virus is now carried by native midges, and has affected about 1,000 farms across England and Wales.

An SBV vaccine is currently undergoing tests for European approval.

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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

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News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.