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BHA vet receives outstanding achievement award
Anthony Stirk received the Outstanding Veterinary Achievement Award.

Anthony Stirk reduced racing fatalities by a third

The British Horseracing Authority’s (BHA) senior veterinary advisor has been recognised for his work helping to improve the welfare of racing thoroughbreds.

Anthony Stirk received the Outstanding Veterinary Achievement Award at the 29th Animal Health Trust (AHT) UK Equestrian Awards Dinner (31 October). Judges said that his input ‘has been fundamental to the success of the UK’s various racing authorities’ fatal and long-term injuries.’

The AHT said: “He began collecting and computerizing fatality data with Weatherbys in 1999 and subsequently introduced a parallel system for recording long-term injuries.

“By ensuring that data has been collected rigorously ever since, it has been possible to introduce practical solutions to enable racecourses and race planners to reduce risk on the basis of evidence rather than speculation.

“As a direct consequence, racing fatalities have been reduced by one third in the last 20 years.”

The Outstanding Veterinary Achievement Award is named in honour of Dr Reginald Wooldridge who founded the first Veterinary Education Trust in 1942. The award recognises a sustained and exemplary contribution to the work and understanding of equine vets.

Anthony Stirk commented: “I feel a bit like Aidan O’Brien must after one of his group 1 successes, though I somehow doubt I will achieve another 25! Anyway, like him, I must stress I’ve had the cooperation and support of a wide range of people in the racing industry.”

He added: “Hopefully the progress in injury reduction on the racecourse will continue, and that we will be able to extend our understanding of the risk factors involved in injury to the in-training area.”

David Sykes, director of equine health and welfare, said: “This is a truly deserved award for Anthony. In my short time at the BHA, I've witnessed his drive and work to improve the environment and conditions of our sport’s superstars first hand, and I am thrilled that this has been appropriately recognised by the wider equine community.”

Image (C) British Horseracing Authority.

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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...
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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.