Researchers at the University of Glasgow (Scotland) may have found a new cure for sarcoids according to Horse and Hound.

This new, non-toxic cream can be applied directly to the sarcoid, and it may be available in the next five years.

Sarcoids are skin tumors caused by the bovine papillomavirus. They are characterized by thickening and ulceration of the skin and can occur as just one bump or hundreds on any particular horse.

Laboratory tests carried out in vitro identified a viral protein in sarcoid cells that is key to the survival of the disease.

Inhibition of this protein reduces sarcoid growth and eventually kills off the cells.

Researchers are now looking for funding to carry out clinical trials on horses afflicted by the disease.