Bursary. Supplement. Connect students excel in bursary s 21 st year. Glasgow and Bristol students take the overall Connect honours.

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1 Bursary Spring 2013 Supplement Connect students excel in bursary s 21 st year The 21 st Connect awards once again saw students from all seven of the UK s vet schools present some extremely in-depth and technically challenging research projects. As the pressures associated with a rapidly growing world population continue to present new challenges to the agricultural industry such as how to provide enough protein to feed a global population that is predicted to reach 11 billion people by 2050 it is essential that the animal health sector continues to find new and innovative ways to improve food production efficiencies. At MSD Animal Health, our science is all about making animals healthier (for improved food production and for long-lasting animal companionship). With this ethos in mind, this year s Connect students presented a wide-ranging and technically challenging array of research projects covering topics as diverse as the effects of ketosis on dairy cow fertility, to the impact of airborne vectors on disease transmission throughout Europe. The MSD Connect Bursary is designed to provide financial assistance to enable veterinary students to carry out research projects in their chosen subject area. This year s bursaries saw students complete a range of domestic and internationally based projects, the quality of which was once again far beyond our expectations. Interestingly, many of the projects picked up on the theme of food production efficiencies and the threats to animal health. For example, Lidia Cammack from Bristol University Veterinary School presented her findings on the immunohistochemistry of piglets and how gut colonisation might impact on pig production. Similarly, William Chadwick from Nottingham University outlined how West Nile Virus is spreading from tropical to more temperate climates and why it is essential to develop reliable methods of identifying vectors such as mosquitoes and midges. In contrast, other projects covered topics such as the mechanical loads on elephant and rhinoceros feet to see how this type of work might be used to improve the health and welfare of captive and wild animals, and the development of a clinical injury database to reduce the impact of heat stress injury on racehorses. The Connect judging panel found it difficult to select a clear winner, instead electing to reward two of this year s bursary students for the quality and content of their research. This has led us to decide to award three prizes in more details of which can be found on the final page of this newsletter. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our two winners Thomas Crawshaw and Lidia Cammack and look forward to supporting the industry s young professionals for another 21 years. Andras Bolcskei General Manager MSD Animal Health Glasgow and Bristol students take the overall Connect honours Thomas Crawshaw from the University of Glasgow and Lidia Cammack from Bristol University Veterinary School, won the top honours at this year s MSD Animal Health Connect Bursary Awards. Thomas was awarded the 2012 Connect trophy and a cheque for 2,000 for his project which studied the relationship between ketosis and fertility in dairy cows, while Lidia was awarded a runner s up prize of 1,000 for her project which studied the expression of CD47 by gut endothelial cells in gnotobiotic and germ-free piglets. In my fifth consecutive year presenting the Connect trophy I have once again been very impressed by the quality of work undertaken by the Connect bursary students. This year s projects covered a diverse range of topics within research disciplines such as immunology, genetics and disease management. All seven students presenting their findings with confidence and clarity and gave an encouraging insight into the calibre of students across the UK s vet schools. On behalf of MSD Animal Health I offer my warmest congratulations to all the students involved and look forward to the 2013 awards with great anticipation. Dr Mike Francis Executive Director, Research and Development

2 The 2012 Connect Bursary projects: Connect Award Winner 2012: Thomas Crawshaw (Glasgow University): A study into the relationship between ketosis and fertility in high yielding dairy cows. Connect Runner-up: Lidia Cammack (University of Bristol): Expression of CD47 by gut endothelial cells in gnotobiotic and germ-free piglets. Connect bursaries: Ria Chalder (University of Liverpool): Development and analysis of a clinical injury database of racehorses. William Chadwick (University of Nottingham): The threat of mosquitoes as vectors of disease within the UK and developing molecular techniques with which to identify them. Richard Harvey (Royal Veterinary College): A biomechanical investigation of foot mechanics in elephants and rhinoceroses. Sarah Sterling (University of Edinburgh): Factors affecting the dispersion and detection of nematode eggs in cattle faeces. Ellen Hughes (Cambridge University): Taenia solium Cysticercosis in Lawra District, Upper West, Ghana. Equine bursary: Emma Peal (University of Nottingham): The influence of obesity on immune responses of equids to influenza vaccine. The 2012 Connect Bursary Award students at MSD Animal Health, Milton Keynes Connect Bursary Awards 2012 Overall Winner n Thomas Crawshaw, a fourth year student at the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine was announced as the overall winner of the 2012 MSD Animal Health Connect Award for his research project entitled A study into the relationship between ketosis and fertility in high yielding dairy cows. Thomas received the 2012 Connect Trophy and a cheque for 2,000. The winning project studied data collected on a 500 cow Stirlingshire dairy farm where the cows are milked three times a day and are yielding 34 litres per day. By analysing the milk production and fertility records for 736 cows from March 2011 to July 2012, Thomas sought to gain a greater understanding of the relationship between ketosis and fertility. Individual animals were tested for varying levels of ketosis, with the data collected compared against existing cow fertility records. The study s results showed that non-ketotic cows were 14 times more likely to conceive before 200 days in milk (DIM) and twice as likely to become pregnant when compared to subclinical and treated clinical ketotic animals. This is because the negative energy balance associated with ketosis adversely affects reproductive physiology, thus ovulation, corpus luteum function and (indirectly) conception. The study demonstrated a clear link between ketosis and conception parameters independent of confounding factors and treatment Thomas Crawshaw (left) receiving the 2012 Connect Bursary Award from Dr Mike Francis of MSD Animal Health regimes, and led Thomas to conclude that energy balance is a pre-requisite to good fertility in high yielding dairy cows. He also proved that ketosis at any level dramatically reduces the likelihood of conception in cows that are less than 200 days post-partum. Thomas also speculated that it is better practice to address any pre- or post-partum energy imbalance via dietary adjustments, rather than relying on a subsequent fertility synchronization programme in cows that have shown poor fertility as a consequence of ketosis.

3 Connect Bursary Awards 2012 Runner-up n Lidia Cammack, a final year student at Bristol University Veterinary School, was runner-up in the 2012 Connect awards and was presented with a cheque for 1,000 for her project entitled Expression of CD47 by gut endothelial cells on gnotobiotic and germ-free piglets. CD172 and CD47 in gnotobiotic piglets compared to germ-free piglets. Her observed interactions suggest that colonisation is responsible for the up-regulation of expression of CD47 on dendritic cells instead of endothelium. Lidia concluded that the ligation of CD172 with CD47 expressed on dendritic cells appears to be more important in affecting generation of tolerance than recruitment of CD47 on endothelial cells into a DC/CD4+ T cell interaction, and that the increased CD172- CD47 ligation on dendritic cells is stimulated by gut colonisation. Coelomates have co-evolved with a wide variety of symbiotic bacteria the gut microbiota. Interaction between the microbiota and the host immune system begins at birth, with the microbiota driving the development of the immune system, and the immune system in turn influencing the structure of the microbiota. By studying the expression of CD47 by gut endothelial cells in gnotobiotic and germ-free piglets, Lidia demonstrated increased co-localisation of Lidia Cammack s immunohistochemistry project earned her the runner-up s proze of 1,000 in the 2012 Connect Awards Connect Bursary Awards 2012 Bursaries n Ria Chalder from the University of Liverpool looked at the effects of Heat Stress Injury (HSI) through the development and analysis of a clinical injury database of racehorses. HSI is the biological response of an individual due to a disturbance in thermal homeostatic control. Due to the high metabolic demand of racing, HSI is a real and serious welfare concern for racehorses, as it can cause ataxia and confusion. It also poses a health and safety risk to the horse, jockey and racecourse bystanders. Ria s project involved performing quality control checks on an unpublished database of HSI incidents in racehorses, and performing some basic statistical analyses to check for trends in the data. Data from six years-worth of races containing information on over 47,000 race starts was analysed, and proved that there was a significant correlation between a number of variables and the risk of HSI. For example, in shorter races, horses carrying the least weight were at increased risk, but this relationship was reversed in longer races. Horses racing on the flat also appeared to be more sensitive to extremes of temperature; perhaps due to higher speeds. Ambient temperature, race time, weight carried, race type and distance and horse age are all significantly associated with the risk of HSI. This has great potential in the future for improving the welfare of racehorses, as this work identifies race distance and weight carried as modifiable risk factors for HSI.

4 n William Chadwick from the University of Nottingham used his Connect bursary to fund his project entitled The threat of mosquitoes as vectors of disease within the UK and developing molecular techniques with which to identify them. Recent outbreaks of West Nile Virus (WNV) throughout North America and Europe have highlighted the potential threat posed by mosquitoborne flaviviruses. Other vector-borne diseases have already affected the UK in the form of bluetongue and equine infectious anaemia. With the possible effects of climate change it is therefore important to identify future threats. For example, by establishing the presence and abundance of mosquito species able to act as vectors of flaviviruses, mathematical models to predict whether such viruses could become established in the UK can be developed. William Chadwick developed new PCR primers to identifiy mosquito species including Culex pipiens Traditionally, morphological identification has been used to distinguish mosquito species, but this can be laborious, and it is impossible to distinguish between some species. Molecular techniques based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification can be used, but unfortunately, there are few primers designed for mosquito identification in the UK. William therefore used his Connect bursary to fund his project which designed new primers for the molecular identification of some of the UK s mosquito species, with the aim of improving our ability to perform mosquito surveillance studies in the future. William concentrated his study on the Culex and Anopheles species, designing a total of three new primers, two of which successfully identified the target species when used in multiplex PCR. Application of the new assay to samples previously collected demonstrated its utility for mosquito surveillance in the UK. n Richard Harvey carried out A biomechanical investigation of foot mechanics in elephants and rhinoceroses during his final year at the Royal Veterinary College. The two largest land mammals, elephants and rhinoceroses, are species which have feet adapted to carry their massive weight. In both species, foot pathology is a prime medical concern: pathologies of the foot are one of the most common medical problems in captive elephants affecting up to 50% of individuals at some point in their lifetime and are one of the leading causes of euthanasia of captive elephants. With chronic degenerative joint disease and chronic infective arthritis being common, quantifying normal foot motion is important to facilitate comparison with pathological joints and identify factors influencing the development of pathology. Richard s project therefore aimed to determine how mechanical loads on elephant and rhinoceros feet influence the development of pathologies, with a subsequent goal of helping to develop novel solutions and new treatment modalities. Richard used a custombuilt jig to apply vertical mechanical loads (of up to 10 tonnes) to elephant and rhinoceros cadaver foot specimens, and used x-ray computed tomography (CT) images to create threedimensional models of each bone element of the feet in unloaded and loaded states. The 3D models were then used to facilitate measurements of angle change during loading. The study highlighted a number of interesting differences between elephant and rhinoceros joint motions which Richard hopes can be used in further studies to treat or prevent certain pathologies and to improve animal welfare. Richard Harvey created 3D images to compare joint positions in loaded and unloaded states

5 n Sarah Sterling from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies studied factors affecting the dispersion and detection of nematode eggs in cattle faeces. Parasitic infection of livestock can prove extremely costly for farmers. Current control practices rely on early detection and the prophylactic application of broad-spectrum anthelmintics. But, with the rise of anthelmintic drug resistance and an increasing consumer interest in low input/organic farming, it is increasingly important to develop parasite control methods that are effective and sustainable. To do this, diagnostic techniques need to be more accurate and precise than current faecal egg count (FEC) practices. Sarah therefore explored the factors affecting the detection of nematode eggs in cattle faeces, including the technique used, distribution of eggs within a pat, timing of faecal collection and parasite species. Her primary aim was n Ellen Hughes from Cambridge University travelled to Lawra District in the Upper West region of Ghana to carry out her investigation into Taenia solium Cysticercosis. to determine the strengths and weaknesses of FEC techniques, and to facilitate improvement of standard operating procedures. Two different cohorts of samples were collected from naturally infected calves and artificially mono-species infected calves and analysed using the McMaster and Moredun (centrifugal floatation) FEC techniques. Sarah discovered that the potential for variation/accuracy of egg counts varies depending on technique, parasite species and timing of sampling. Techniques that use lower multiplication factors (MF<100) produce egg counts that are less variable. In situations of high egg density, the McMaster technique can be just as, or more accurate than the Moredun technique, which requires a much higher investment in terms of equipment and time. Further work would benefit from a larger sample of infection with the larval stage represents a major disease threat in the developing world, with infection often leading to Neurocysticercosis (NCC) a major cause of epilepsy in sub-saharan Africa. Sarah Sterling evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of FEC techniques experimental animals tested over a longer period of time, and would help to create more effective treatment regimes to prolong the efficacy of anthelmintic treatments, decrease costs, and improve overall herd health. Taenia solium is a human tapeworm that infects pigs as its intermediate host. Although it rarely causes clinical signs in otherwise healthy pigs it is a potential cause of poor production and poor welfare in heavily infected animals. Human Ellen Hughes handling blood samples in Ghana Ellen s project followed-up on a previous study of Cysticercosis to establish the prevalence of Taenia solium infection in pigs and to determine whether infection was linked to risk factors in pig management. Ellen Hughes taking blood from a back-yard pig Blood samples were taken from back-yard pigs in six separate traditional villages, as well as from pigs in the Babile agricultural station a more intensive rearing system with potentially less prevalence of Taenia solium due to less human/pig interaction. Each householder in the traditional villages was also asked to complete a questionnaire to ascertain how the pigs were managed and to develop a better understanding of the village s socio-demographics. The blood samples are still waiting to be analysed in Ghana, and analysis of the questionnaires is ongoing, with Ellen hoping to have her initial results early in She hopes that analysis of her data will help to determine whether high risk factors for Cysticercosis infection such as proximity to human dwellings and latrines to pig housing, are associated with higher levels of infection.

6 Connect Bursary Awards 2012 Equine Connect Bursary n The 2012 Equine Connect Bursary student, Emma Peal from Nottingham University School of Veterinary Medicine, will present her research The influence of obesity on immune responses of equids to influenza vaccination as part of the 2013 awards. Connect from MSD Animal Health is an information and support service for veterinary students which provides individuals and recognised groups and societies with educational and sponsorship assistance during college. The scheme incorporates a number of benefits including: Literature: MSD Animal Health has an extensive collection of literature on a variety of subjects in the companion animal, livestock and poultry sectors. For more information simply our customer support service at vet-support.uk@merck.com Education Support: MSD Animal Health plays an active role in sponsoring clinical club meetings and welcomes requests for presentations and lectures to be made to these clubs. Bursary Awards: The annual Connect bursary scheme provides financial assistance to students enabling them to undertake research in new and exciting areas of veterinary work Connect Bursary submissions The 2013 Connect bursaries will be launched in the spring with one student from each university eligible for 1,000 funding towards the cost of their research. An additional 1,000 will be available via the Equine Connect bursary. Increased prize money for The top three projects will also qualifying for additional funding of the following amounts: l First place: 3,000 (plus Connect trophy) l Second place: 2,000 l Third place: 1,000 To submit your proposal for a 2013 Connect Bursary simply contact the staff representative at your university or Paul Jennings at ABC Limited on or paul@abccomms.co.uk You will need to submit a synopsis of your project covering the aims, objectives and hypotheses of the research. Successful candidates will be invited to the MSD Connect Bursary Award Day to present their research findings and to compete for the Connect Trophy. Your University Contact: For more information about Connect from MSD Animal Health, please contact your appropriate University l University of Bristol l University of Cambridge l University of Edinburgh l University of Glasgow l University of Liverpool l Royal Veterinary College l University of Nottingham Professor Ed Hall Katheryn Ayres Antonia Robb or Sally Argyle Lesley Nicholson Gina Pinchbeck or Elizabeth Laird Oliver Garden or Josh Slater Malcolm Cobb or Prof. James Leigh Connect, MSD Animal Health, Walton Manor, Walton, Milton Keynes, MK7 7AJ. MSD Animal Health offers animal health professionals, farmers, pet owners and governments the widest range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services. MSD Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals. Based in Milton Keynes, our local activities include marketing and sales, production and research and development. For more information vet-support.uk@merck.com or visit: