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BHA announce seventh case of morphine
racehorse
BHA have received analysis reporting the findings and the trainers involved have been informed.

Two further post-race samples found to contain morphine, bringing total to seven

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has been notified that two further post-race samples, obtained from recent race meetings, have been found to  contain morphine - a prohibited substance on raceday.

The two horses are under the care of two separate trainers. BHA have received analysis reporting the findings and the trainers involved have been informed.

BHA say that they will not make public any information regarding the identity of the horses, trainers or owners until all necessary processes are completed. This includes counteranalysis of respective "B" samples requested by those connected with the horses, and the BHA's own investigations.

In total, seven horses under the care of various trainers have now been reported to show the presence of the drug in their "A" samples.

The BHA have not ruled out the reporting of further positive detections from post-race samples obtained in recent weeks. The authority are continuing to investigate any link between the individual cases and are working closely with the British Equine Trade Association, the National Trainers Federation and the trainers of the horses in question.

Once all processes have been completed, the cases will be put before a disciplinary panel who will consider the matters before deciding what action, if any, should be taken. This may include the disqualification of the horses in question from the relevant races. 

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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.