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New booklet provides update on equine grass sickness
The booklet aims to improve understanding of the incidence and risk factors associated with the disease.

Publication brings together the latest research.

A new booklet highlighting the vital role owners can play in reporting equine grass sickness (EGS) has been published by the Moredun Research Institute.

The booklet, entitled Equine Grass Sickness: A Research Update and Look to the Future, also aims to improve understanding of the incidence and risk factors associated with the disease.

It has been compiled in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, the EGSF, University of Liverpool, British Horse Society and World Horse Welfare (WHW).

Roly Owers from WHW said “Equine grass sickness is a truly horrible disease that all too often impacts World Horse Welfare directly, with one of our Rescue and Rehoming Centres being in Aberdeenshire and another in Norfolk, both areas with a high EGS prevalence It is a disease that has been known about for decades yet there is still so much we don’t know about it.

“We are pleased to support this publication bringing together the latest information about this pernicious and stubbornly mysterious disease and to work with EGSF in their determination to increase our understanding of it and to find a cure for it.”

Moredun began researching into EGS in the 1920s when the disease caused the deaths of many working horses on farms. One-hundred years later, the disease continues to elude researchers, but the consensus is that it is likely to be caused by numerous factors.

There are no treatments or vaccines to prevent EGS, and around 80 per cent of horses that contract the disease do not survive. It is strongly linked to the east of the UK, with Aberdeenshire being the county suffering the most cases annually in the UK.

EGS also has a seasonal pattern and is most common in the spring, early summer and in young, adult equines.

Helene Mauchlen, from BHS Scotland, commented: “We are delighted to support this research update, which is a useful summary of exactly where we are with this complex and destructive disease, showcasing decades of work and signposting us to a better and hopefully EGS-free future”.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.