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Research provides free resource on working equines
donkey
There are estimated to be 100 million working horses, donkeys and mules worldwide.
Collection of articles to encourage information sharing and improve welfare

A new collection of free research articles aims to build understanding and encourage joint working to address the welfare problems of the world's working equids.

The articles, a compendium of eight research papers published online by the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) and sponsored by World Horse Welfare, will be added to as new data emerges to form a free resource for all practitioners working in equine welfare.

The new research tool comes after the 7th International Colloquium on Working Equids in July this year, where more than 150 representatives from 27 countries discussed the plight of the estimated 100 million working horses, donkeys and mules who sustain human livelihoods around the world and recommended that broader access to research would encourage greater worldwide collaboration.

The current collection addresses clinical problems such as lameness, tack-related wounds and parasite infestation and the risks associated with the meat and milk of the working equid in the human diet.

Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare, said; “To improve the effectiveness of programmes focused on working equids globally, we need to share information globally. Research builds the evidence base for better interventions and helps improve collaboration between equine charities and veterinary organisations, with human development organisations, universities and governments. Wider access to relevant research should make an even greater, sustainable impact for working equids and World Horse Welfare is pleased to support the EVJ in helping to achieve this end."

Prevention and treatment for common welfare problems start being addressed through knowledge and education and the articles are available free online at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1001/%28ISSN%292042-3306/homepage/working_equid_virtual_issue.htm.

More research is needed on working equids and World Horse Welfare offers bursaries to veterinary students and grants to encourage research into major welfare challenges both in the UK and overseas. To find out more contact andrewhiggins@worldhorsewelfare.org. 

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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...
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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.