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‘Weak link’ between badgers and cattle for TB transmission
The mathematical model combined over a million cattle and 50,000 badgers.

Researchers conduct largest simulation to date

The extent to which badgers cause TB in cattle is under speculation following new research.

A study carried out from Queen Mary University of London quantifies the relationship between the two animals.

In the largest simulation to date of the numbers of cattle and badgers infected with TB, the study found that the route of infection for cattle is from other cattle rather than from other species.  

The research, published in the journal Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment, shows that reciprocally, badgers are mainly infected by other infected badgers.

“If badgers are causing TB in cattle, we would see a similar pattern of infection in both species, however our analysis reveals that this isn’t the case and could have implications for a strategy to vaccinate badgers, as an efficient control strategy if policymakers were to pursue this option,” said lead author Dr Aristides Moustakas.

In the study, the researchers used a mathematical model that combined over a million cattle and 50,000 badgers. The model looked at the animals over different scenarios to learn how the movement of one species affects TB transmission in the other.

The team say their findings reflect the movements of the animals. For example, cattle move greater distances within their grounds, or they can be sold to farms further afield. So it is not unexpected that cattle with TB can be found at unrelated and geographically widespread areas.

They recommend that an efficient way to vaccinate badgers might be to follow the spatial pattern of TB infections. For example by identifying the hotspots where the disease is concentrated.

This targeted approach would save labour and costs to control the spread of the disease, they conclude.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.