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Guide to assess equine fitness for transport
Horses in field
The guidelines are directed at anyone involved in transporting horses, ponies, and donkeys.

Aims to support good animal welfare

New guidelines to assess the fitness of equines for transport have been published following extensive research and consultation.

Coordinated by World Horse Welfare and the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations, the guidelines are directed at anyone involved in transporting horses, ponies, and donkeys.

The publication has been developed by experts in the fields of animal transport, welfare, veterinary medicine, industry, research and enforcement.

It aims to support good animal welfare, reduce public health risks, and develop a consistent approach across the European Union.

Furthermore, the guidelines help transporters avoid penalties, financial losses and withdrawal of authorisation or driver’s certificate of competence.

Welcoming the guidelines, Andrea Gavinelli, head of animal welfare at the European Commission, said: “EU Regulation 1/2005 states that “No animal shall be transported unless it is fit for the intended journey”. With this provision the legislator recognised the very important risk to welfare deriving from the transport of unfit animals.

“As in many cases, proper enforcement of the legislation depends upon it being understood. This is why these guidelines play an important role in assisting everyone involved in the transport of horses to ensure they are in full compliance with the legislation. Documents such as this are vital tools for maintaining good health and welfare amongst transported animals."

 

 

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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.