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AHT calls for help to investigate atypical myopathy
Horse and vet
Vets who have seen clinical cases of atypical myopathy are urged to fill in a short questionnaire.

Vets and horse owners urged to fill in short questionnaire

Veterinary professionals who have seen clinical cases of atypical myopathy in 2014 are being asked to help in a collaborative research project into the disorder.

Horse owners whose animals have been affected by the condition are also being asked to help.

The research, led by the Animal Health Trust (AHT), aims to investigate the geographical distribution and clinical particularities of atypical myopathy in the UK and Ireland.

In 2014, the UK reported the highest number of atypical myopathy cases in Europe with alarming mortality rates. Therefore, the AHT say, a UK based investigation is essential to understand the particularities of the disease in this country.

Atypical myopathy causes the destruction of muscle tissue, including the heart. Clinical signs include dark coloured urine, muscle tremors, breathing problems and anorexia. The debilitating and fatal disease disease is caused by the ingestion of sycamore seeds, commonly known as "helicopters" as their shape enables them to travel several years away from where the trees are located.  

Vets who have seen clinical cases of atypical myopathy in 2014 are urged to fill in a short questionnaire providing details of the affected horse’s management, pasture details and clinical signs.

Horse owners whose horses have suffered from the disease can also help the AHT's research into the disease by providing similar information. For the horse owner survey please click here.

By collecting as many details as possible on the disease, the veterinary charity hopes to accelerate the research into the condition, furthering the understanding of the disease and improving the poor prognosis that it currently has in the UK.

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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.