Our Campaign
ERADICATION OF STRANGLES TAKES A STEP CLOSER
Scientists receive further funding to develop rapid diagnostic test
In just three years vets across the world could confirm cases of Strangles, the most commonly diagnosed infectious disease in horses, within 30 minutes.
‘Breaking the Strangles Hold’ - a campaign run by the Animal Health Trust (AHT) and The British Horse Society (BHS), has helped to achieve this.[1]
Graham Cory, The BHS Chief Executive, said: “Along with raising funds for the scientific work, key to this campaign has been tackling the stigma of Strangles. By encouraging horse owners and vets to talk about it, we’ve heightened awareness of early symptoms to look out for.
“Empowering people with knowledge gives them the confidence to call their vet at the first sign of infection, which prevents the further spread of disease.”
Money donated from the general public, along with funding from The Horse Trust, has allowed scientists at the AHT to develop a revolutionary diagnostic blood test to screen for exposure to the infection. The blood test was launched in February 2008 and since then more than 6,700 samples have been tested.
HRH The Princess Royal, who launched the ‘Breaking the Strangles Hold’ campaign, said: “As an owner who has seen my own horse’s affected by this terrible disease, it’s wonderful to see such progress being made in a relatively short time.
“The screening test enables owners to know within 24 hours if any of their horses have been exposed to this bacterium. Previously available tests would have taken three to four days. The test is making a real difference in welfare and economic terms for all those involved in the equine industry. It truly is groundbreaking.”
The success of this diagnostic work, along with other AHT research [2], has attracted further funding for the project from the Wellcome Trust in the form of a Translation Award. An award of more than £580,000 will enable scientists at the AHT to reduce the time taken to diagnose the disease.
The two-year grant is the first veterinary award to be made through the Wellcome Trust’s Technology Transfer division. The money will support the integration of the AHT DNA test and rapid diagnostic technology developed by Atlas Genetics.[3]
Professor Andrew Waller, Head of Bacteriology at the AHT, said: “The main problem with Strangles is the time taken to diagnose it. The current blood test is a big step forward, but the culture and DNA tests, which are often used in the initial stages of an outbreak can take a couple of days to get results.”
The Translation Award means the AHT can reduce the time taken to perform its DNA diagnostic test and ultimately produce a point-of-care test that vets can use on site to get a diagnosis in 30 minutes. Earlier diagnosis will allow owners to isolate horses sooner and minimise the spread of infection. It will further reduce welfare problems for horses and the cost to their owners.
The AHT and Atlas Genetics will design and validate the point-of-care diagnostic test over the next two years. It is hoped that the test could be mass produced and widely available by 2012.
Professor Waller added: “This technology will be fantastic. It will be hugely beneficial for other diseases too, of both veterinary and clinical importance. Without the money raised through the ‘Breaking the Strangles Hold’ campaign, we wouldn’t have made as much progress. On behalf of horses and horse owners worldwide, I’d like to thank everyone who has donated.”
The ‘Breaking the Strangles Hold’ campaign smashed it's intial fundraising target of £250,000, demonstrating how important, to horse owners, getting to grips with this terrible disease is. Donations are still required and will help fund research for the point-of-care test.
For further information, please contact:
Farrah Stevens, AHT press office, 01638 555602 / 07787 752332
farrah.stevens@aht.org.uk
Alison Coleman, The BHS press office, 01926 707737
a.coleman@bhs.org.uk
Photographs:
Photos of horses showing symptoms of Strangles are available form the AHT press office on 01638 555602.
Additional notes:
1. ‘Breaking the Strangles Hold’ was run by the Animal Health Trust and The British Horse Society. It aimed to raise £250,000 in order to produce a diagnostic blood test to screen for Strangles, and ultimately a vaccine to prevent horses contracting this dreadful disease. The campaign reached its financial target in two years. A blood test has been developed. Work still continues on a safe and effective vaccine. More information can be found at www.strangles.org
2. Additional research has been funded by a number of bodies including HBLB, Welsh Pony and Cob Society, European Breeders Fund, Puffa, AHT US, Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Bransby Home of Rest for Horses, Mrs I J Gates Charity Fund, Stafford Trust, Geoffrey Serth Charitable Trust and the Elise Pilkington Trust.
3. Atlas Genetics is a UK-based healthcare company focused on providing rapid diagnostics. More information can be found at www.atlasgenetics.com
4. The Animal Health Trust is an independent charity, employing over 200 scientists, vets and support workers. It aims to improve the health and welfare of horses, dogs and cats through research. It also provides specialist referral services and continuous education to vets. www.aht.org.uk
5. The British Horse Society is a charity and membership organisation. It has a membership of more than 106,000 (including British Riding Clubs). Membership information can be obtained on 0844 848 1666. www.bhs.org.uk
Photos of Strangles
