Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 8th December 2014
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

New laminitis projects planned for 2015
horse
Laminitis is estimated to affect around 15 per cent of UK horses and ponies.
Studies will explore the impact of diet and predisposition

Two new PhD projects will explore predisposition to pasture-associated laminitis and the impact of diet on the condition.

Obesity is a growing problem, with some studies suggesting as many as 50 per cent of UK leisure horses and ponies are obese. Meanwhile, laminitis is thought to affect around 15 per cent.

Fat accumulation in horses has been increased by improved nutrition and decreased workloads. As a result, there is greater demand for improved nutritional advice for senior (over the age of 20) and obese animals.

New research in 2015 will aim to assess the impact of diet on the microbiota of these animals.

Under the supervision of Professor Caroline Argo from the University of Surrey, researchers from the University of Liverpool Equine Hospital and the University of Aberystwyth will also consider how their findings could be used to improve advice on the feeding and management of horses.

A further study on pasture-associated laminitis will take place at the Royal Veterinary College. Under the supervision of Dr Nicola Menzies-Gow and Professor Jonathan Elliott, the research team will continue current work to determine which individual horses and ponies are at most risk of developing pasture-associated laminitis.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.