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Equine racing fatalities ‘at record low’
horse racing
Equine fatalities in racing fell to a record low of 0.18 per cent in 2015.
Figures show fatalities in 0.18 per cent of runners in 2015
 
Equine fatalities in racing fell to a record low of 0.18 per cent in 2015, according to the latest figures from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

The figure was down from 0.22 per cent in 2014 and 0.28 per cent in 1994.

In a summary of key equine welfare statistics, BHA said that after careful analysis of the Cheltenham horse faller data, two fences have been moved in position for 2017.

There will be 10 racecourse veterinary surgeons and two veterinary nurses on duty on each day of Cheltenham, as well as at least three BHA regulatory vets and nine equine welfare integrity officers.

Aintree has also taken major steps to improve the safety of the course and Grand National, according to BHA. Over £1.5 million was invested in safety measures at the course ahead of the 2013 Grand National, including replacing inner frames of fences to a more forgiving, flexible plastic.

Overall British Racing has invested £32 million in veterinary research and education since 2000.

BHA has published a full summary and infographic. 

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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...
News Shorts
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.