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British protocol to maximise horse welfare
The British protocol is to tailor it specifically to the country’s climate and terrain.
Governing bodies to develop UK endurance strategy
 
Plans are in place to develop a British protocol to maximise horse welfare in all international endurance rides held in Great Britain.

Endurance GB (EGB) and the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) are working together to create a long-term strategy, whilst acknowledging the major challenges facing the discipline of endurance.

The British protocol will, among other things, aim to set parameters around optimum speed, heart rate and recovery times.

Steps have already been taken to improve horse welfare in endurance events internationally, by the FEI for example, but the aim with the British protocol is to tailor it specifically to the country’s climate and terrain.

It will be established by a working group led by BEF board director, Dr Tim Watson, and comprised of key stakeholders including veterinary surgeons, the National Federation, event organisers and technical delegates.

Set to be implemented as a pilot study at British events this year, the protocol will be refined after the season, based on experience gained from the events. It is hoped it will be in place for the first FEI rides of 2017, beginning at King’s Forest on 14-16 April.

Clare Salmon, BEF chief executive, commented: “Horse welfare is an ongoing priority for the BEF and EGB and by initiating this new British protocol, we hope this will ensure a safe sport in which the wellbeing of the horses is paramount. The aim of the protocol is to implement modifications that will ultimately reform the sport by changing the mind-set of trainers and riders competing in this country.”

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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.