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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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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.