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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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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.