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Defra announces agreement to export UK horses to China
Horse
UK thoroughbred and jump horses can now be exported to China.
New Export Health Certificate will allow for the export of horses to China with immediate effect

An agreement to export horses in the UK to China has been announced by Defra as part of plans to help grow the world leading equine industry.

Speaking on Friday, environment secretary Elizabeth Truss announced that UK thoroughbred and jump horses can now be exported to China after a crucial agreement was reached with the Chinese authorities helping grow the UK's £7 billion equine industry.

The new Export Health Certificate will allow for the export of horses to China with immediate effect. Initially worth up to £10 million a year for the UK economy, it is hoped that the value will rise significantly in coming years.

Environment secretary, Elizabeth Truss said: "I'm delighted that days after Great Britain finished top of the medal table at the World Equestrian Games, we're able to announce a deal that could bring up to £10 million of new trade to our shores.

"We've long been a world leader in racing, eventing and breeding - it's only right that our historic yet innovative equine industry is able to export its top-quality horses and  expertise across the globe.

"This deal is only the latest in our determined push to boost British exports and I look forward to working with this £7 billion industry to ensure that it goes from strength to strength, growing our economy and providing enjoyment to millions."

Professor Tim Morris, the equine representative for the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England, said: "This country leads the world with its range of top quality horses and ponies. We have a unique combination of the best thoroughbred and sport horses, and a wide diversity of unique breeds from Shetland ponies to Shire horses, and the equine industry, particularly the breeding sector, welcomes this access to the developing Chinese market.

"Agreed with industry, this deal offers the best possible terms for the UK's equine industry and will enable industry to meet strong demand."

The first UK horses are expected to be exported to China by the end of this year.

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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.