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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th January 2017
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BHA names new director of equine health and welfare
Mr Sykes joins the BHA from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he was head veterinary officer for both the Emirates Racing Authority.

Role reflects importance of equine welfare to British racing

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has named David Sykes as its new director of equine health and welfare.

Mr Sykes joins the BHA from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he was head veterinary officer for both the Emirates Racing Authority and the UAE Equine Quarantine Department.

In this newly-created role, David will be responsible for enhancing the leadership and capability of the BHA’s equine health and welfare function; improving the capture, analysis and benchmarking of racehorse welfare information; and continuing to develop the BHA’s equine welfare strategy.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Sykes said: “I regard British racing to be unique in its quality and diversity and the BHA as a world leader in equine health and welfare issues. I look forward to immersing myself in this position and, in consultation with the industry, further developing whole-of-life racehorse welfare strategies”.

The BHA says that the creation of the new Director of Equine Health and Welfare role ‘reflects the fact that equine welfare is a strategic priority for the BHA’.

“We’re excited to have someone of David’s proven veterinary and regulatory experience joining the organisation at a time when we have made it clear that equine welfare leadership is our top priority,” said Jamie Stier, chief regulatory officer for the BHA.

“David was the outstanding candidate from an exceptionally strong field of applications for what is an exciting role in a position of global importance in the world of racing."

Image (C) British Horseracing Authority

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
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Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.