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Importance of National Equine Health Survey recognised
Image: NHES Household Cavalry

Leading equestrian organisations pledge their support.

A national equine survey organised by the Blue Cross, which aims to record common health issues in horses, has received backing by leading equestrian organisations.

The National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) will be held from 18 - 24 May and will contain questions on equine infectious diseases and include new questions on ragwort, which is causing growing alarm amongst equine health and welfare organisations.

Major equestrian organisations, including the ABRS, BEF, BETA, BHS, BSJA, Equestrian Needs, HAPPA, Horses4Homes, Horse Trust, LANTRA, Mare and Foal Sanctuary, NEWC, Pet ID Equine, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Rossdales, RSPCA, SWHP, TBA, WHW and WPCS, have voiced their support for the NEHS.

The results of the national survey will help build a picture of the health and disease in the UK and define priorities for future research, training and education. The new questions have been devised to help to find out more about yard biosecurity measures and the potential risks associated with horses being purchased from Europe.

Gemma Taylor, Education Officer at Blue Cross said: “This year the NEHS is more even important than ever, which is reflected by the fact that so many of our major equestrian bodies and charities have already signed up to take part. It’s only with help from all of you that we can make NEHS bigger and more valuable than ever. Please spare just five minutes to complete the survey so we can continue to build our knowledge to help improve the future health of our nation’s horses.”

All owners and keepers of horses are being urged to participate in the NEHS, click here for more information.

 

 

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.