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BEVA Congress offers social licence stream
This year's congress runs from 11-14 September.
The stream will include a talk by Olympian Sally Gunnell.

The issue of society’s acceptance of the use of horses in sport and competitions will be a major topic at this year’s BEVA Congress.

Activities that have public approval or acceptance are said to have a social licence to operate. This licence has been questioned by some groups in recent years when it comes to the involvement of horses in certain activities, especially horse racing.

The opening day of BEVA Congress will devote an entire stream to the subject of how to strengthen equine sport’s social licence, looking at some of the similarities between equine and human sporting injures and how the number of such injuries could be reduced.

The stream will include Olympic gold medalist Sally Gunnell sharing her experiences of injury, a talk from a surgeon who works with young human athletes with stress fractures, and a talk on the steps being taken in Australia to prevent injuries to horses in high profile races.

Bruce Bladon, BEVA president elect, said: “A huge part of equine practice stems from the involvement of horses in competition. Whether the animals under our care take part in the local pony club’s mounted games, are on display in the showing classes at the county show, or are competing at the Olympics, equine veterinary practice would be unlikely to survive without horse sport.

“However, the future of equine sport, including horse racing, is under debate; competition often increases the risk of injury, and, at one end of the spectrum, it inevitably also increases the risk of fatal injury.

“This is an area where veterinary science and research can help; demonstrably reducing the risk and/or severity of injury during competition is likely to be an important factor in retaining the social licence of equestrianism into the future.”

This year’s BEVA Congress runs from 11-14 September at the ACC in Liverpool. More information about the event can be found here.

Image © BEVA

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
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Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.