Archive Article: 1998/07/17

17 July 1998

IN BRIEF

&#8226 SALMONELLA could soon be eradicated in chicken flocks, as scientists think they have found the gene responsible for determining a birds natural resistance to the disease. By crossing resistant and non-resistant chickens, researchers at the Institute of Animal Health, Berks, have identified the resistance gene on the birds genetic map. With selective breeding, salmonella should be a disease of the past.

&#8226 THE Farm Animal Welfare Councils first annual report, which details its approach to farm animals and draws together a years work, is now available from the FAWC Secretariat, Government Build-ings, Hook Rise South, Tolworth, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 7NF.

&#8226 IS breeding for scrapie resistance the answer to controlling the disease? Institute of Animal Health researcher Angela McLean needs to recruit 150 UK sheep farms, with and without scrapie, for a programme of free genetic testing and to help compare methods of disease control. Participating farms will receive annual visits for blood testing and will need to provide breeding records to IAH, although information and results on individual farms will remain confidential, she says. Contact Dr McLean on 01635-577282. &#42