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: 22nd September 2015
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 guide on grazing muzzles
Horse wearing a grazing muzzle
“Because their impact on horse welfare is not fully understood, there is real concern amongst horse owners about the use of grazing muzzles."

Guidance highlights risks and benefits

Welfare charities have teamed up to provide a best-practice guide for using grazing muzzles, to address horse owner concerns and misconceptions.

Grazing muzzles represent a yearly dilemma for horse owners and opinions are divided on their use.

Whilst they have a place in helping to control weight, charities say owners may leave it too late to take action, or use the muzzles inappropriately.

The National Equine Health Council (NEWC) has produced guidance and a video to explain how to introduce, fit and monitor a grazing muzzle.

Nic de Brauwere, NEWC chairman, said: “Because their impact on horse welfare is not fully understood, there is real concern amongst horse owners about the use of grazing muzzles.

"While many of our NEWC member organisations are able to use other weight management options, these alternatives don’t exist for many horse owners.

"This leaves a gap where controversy over the equipment can escalate, identifying a real need for evidence-based and impartial advice."

The guide has been created using the best evidence currently available to help owners understand the risks and benefits, whilst taking into account the potential alternatives for weight control.

Watch the video and read the guidance here: http://www.newc.co.uk/advice/horse-and-donkey-care/grazing-muzzles-2/

Image courtesy of Redwings Horse Sanctuary

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.