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FEI updates regulations for OVs
The 2018 guidelines stipulate that horses can no longer be vaccinated prior to competition on the day in which they compete.

Updates include modification to veterinary treatment

The FEI has announced a series of updates to its regulations for Official Veterinarians (OVs). The updates will come into effect on 1 January 2018 and include clarification regarding the use of supportive therapies at FEI events.

Among the modifications is an update to veterinary treatment. The 2018 guidelines stipulate that horses can no longer be vaccinated prior to competition on the day in which they compete.

‘Horses can still be treated at events after they have competed, the guidelines state. ‘An exception to the regulation will be granted for classes starting at 1800hrs or later.’

The guidelines also provide classification regarding the use of equine therapists and supportive therapies, both of which have been categorised into Non-Restricted and Restricted Therapies. A new category of personnel known as ‘Permitted Equine Therapists’ will be permitted to carry out restricted therapies in which they are trained and must work under the supervision of a PTV.

The FEI adds that an online registration system is currently under development and that its OVs will receive further communication regarding this in the coming months. Due to the time needed to develop the system, the status of Permitted Equine Therapists will be regulated from 1 July 2018.

Under the new regulations, horses will not be permitted to wear bandages, blankets or rugs and must not be presented with their identity concealed. Minor changes have also be made to the minimum requirements for stabling facilities, veterinary services and equipment requirements.

The 2018 Veterinary Regulations have been approved by the FEI’s General Assembly and are available to download from the FEI website.

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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.