Saving Calves

Scientists in the Department of Veterinary Parasitology have joined forces with a local business in an attempt to eradicate a parasite responsible for abortions in cows. Up to one in ten aborted calves has the parasite Neospora which, when passed from mother to foetus, can lead to abortion or brain damage. Neospora appears to be the most frequently diagnosed cause of abortion in UK dairy herds and there is concern that the infection could spread, with far reaching economic consequences.

Research carried out by Professor Sandy Trees, Dr Diana Williams and colleagues in the Department of Veterinary Parasitology has led to the development of a test which is extremely accurate and specific for Neospora infection. In conjunction with a local firm, Mast Diagnostics of Bootle, a Neospora Diagnostic Kit has been produced and is now commercially available. Kits have already been dispatched to laboratories in the UK, Holland, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and the USA, with enquiries from Ireland and Switzerland.

The Liverpool Team is amongst the world leaders in research into Neospora (this newly recognised, but widespread important disease) and is currently funded by major grants from the BBSRC and MAFF.

For further information, contact Anna Pietrzkiewicz, Faculty of Veterinary Science Development Office. Tel: (0151) 794 6033.