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New initiative to help vets take action against strangles
The launch of the new pledge coincides with the announcement of Strangles Awareness Week.

Alliance aims to end stigma around infection

A new online pledge, launched today at the National Equine Forum, will allow veterinary surgeons and professionals who work with horses to show their commitment to tackling the stigma that surrounds strangles.

The Vets & Professionals Pledge is a voluntary commitment to normalising discussion of strangles with clients and directing them to further advice and guidance. As well as emphasising the importance of biosecurity and good hygiene practices.

This joins the other existing pledges for yard managers and horse owners, launched by Redwings Horse Sanctuary in November 2018, which now have over 1,080 sign-ups.

Those who pledge will receive:

  • a certificate in recognition of their support
  • regular emails offering support and guidance on maintaining their pledge
  • research and information on the disease and its outbreaks
  • relevant announcements from other strangles-related initiatives in the UK.

Andie Vilela, Redwings Horse Sanctuary’s campaigns manager, said: “We know that when horse owners want advice about Strangles, they often look towards a vet or a trusted professional. With the launch of this new Pledge, we hope to provide them with the additional tools they need to give that vital support for their clients and maximise their influence to prompt more conversations around biosecurity so we can tackle this disabling stigma.”

The launch of the pledge coincides with the announcement of Strangles Awareness Week – a new national week of action created by multiple equine-focused organisations including Redwings Horse Sanctuary, the Animal Health Trust, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and the British Horse Society.

Strangles Awareness Week will take place from 4-10 May 2020 and will encourage owners and professionals to share their knowledge and experiences through a series of online activities and events.

For further information about either the pledges or Strangles Awareness Week, please visit the Stamp Out Strangles webpage.

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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...
News Shorts
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.