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Ethiopian equine epidemic to be addressed
Horses
Horses are heavily relied upon in many countries for the transport of food, water and people.

African Horse Sickness to be discussed at International Colloquium 

New strains and outbreaks of African horse sickness (AHS) are due to be discussed at the 7th International Colloquium for Working Equids, which is set to take place on July 1-3.

There is currently an epidemic of the devastating AHS in Ethiopia. 

Ethiopia has the largest equine population in Africa, with a total of nearly 9 million equids. They are relied upon heavily by the Ethiopian population for transport of food, water, produce or people - helping families to generate income, as well as making it possible for them to carry out household tasks.
 
The performance of horses, donkeys and mules dips dramatically when they fall ill, and their owners consequently struggle to continue with daily life. A number of diseases affect equids, the worst of which is AHS.
 
Multiple annual outbreaks of this disease are regularly reported and recent studies reveal the existence of new circulating strains of the AHS virus. A report published by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) in 2008 showed that a total of 15 outbreaks in south west Ethiopia led to 2185 equine deaths.
 
That same year, the country vaccinated 306,454 horses to limit the progress of outbreaks.
 
More recent studies conducted between 2009 and 2010 reported 10 outbreaks in central, eastern and western parts of the country, and studies in 2012 revealed that the dominant variation of the AHS virus (AHSV-9) is still the most prevalent.
 
Dr Andy Stringer, director of veterinary programmes at SPANA, said: 
 
"There are many reasons why horses are still not being vaccinated against AHS. Vaccination programmes are poorly planned, with poor organisational structures and logistical issues. There is also a lack of sufficient information about the disease. Amongst owners there is a lack of awareness about the benefits of vaccination, in addition to the problems surrounding the availability and accessibility of vaccines.”
 
The 7th International Colloquium on Working Equids, hosted by World Horse Welfare, will be held at the Royal Holloway, University of London on July 1-3. 
 

 

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.