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UAE endurance suspension lifted
hoof
The UAE National Federation was suspended earlier this year amid concerns over horse welfare.
Agreement signed to ensure horse welfare is respected
 
The Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF) has signed an agreement to ensure horse welfare will be respected and rules strictly enforced at endurance events. As a result, the FEI Bureau has agreed to lift its suspension.

EEF is the governing body of equestrian sports in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Earlier this year, the federation was provisionally suspended by the FEI Bureau, following an investigation into major horse welfare issues and non-compliance with FEI rules and regulations in the discipline of endurance.

It was revealed yesterday (27 July) that the bureau has unanimously agreed to reinstate the UAE National Federation to full membership of the FEI - the international governing body for Olympic equestrian sport.

A legally binding agreement has been signed by the EEF and FEI, offering a guarantee that horse welfare will be respected and that rules will be enforced at endurance events in the UAE.

Among other terms, EEF must ensure that:
  • Protocols are put in place to avoid equine fatalities
  • Applicable rest periods are respected
  • Horses on rest periods are blocked from entry in national events (the FEI system already blocks entries in international events)
  • Use of prohibited fluid administration and any substances prohibited under the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs) in and around the Field of Play and at the Vet Gate is prevented
Commenting on the agreement, FEI's secretary general Sabrina Zeender, said: "We are very pleased that, after four months of very hard work, the United Arab Emirates have demonstrated with the signature of this agreement that they are fully committed to ensuring horse welfare and complying with FEI rules at both international and national level in the country."

EEF's secretary general, Taleb Dhaher Al Mheiri, said the federation will continue to work with the FEI to ensure the requirements are applied. "It is our goal to pursue excellence while promoting the growth of the sport and safeguarding the welfare of equine and human athletes," he added.

For more information on the agreement, see http://www.fei.org/news/uae-national-federation-suspension-lifted-fei-bureau-following-signature-agreement

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here

Click here for more...
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Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.