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Lameness remains a major problem for UK horses
Blue cross with horse cavalry
Horse health survey has confirmed that lameness remains the most common syndrome for UK's horses

The National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) has confirmed for the second year that lameness is the most common syndrome affecting the UK's horses and ponies. This year's results have also revealed an apparent increase in laminitis compared with previous years.

THE NEHS is the only survey that looks at the general health of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in the UK. It aims to spot trends so that the main problems affecting equines can be seen in an effort to prevent them. Run annually by the Blue Cross, in partnership with BEVA, it is supported by the UK's leading equestrian organisations and charities - including the British Horse Society, the Horse Trust and Redwings.  

Data was collected from 11,002 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules across the UK. The majority of horses reported (88 per cent) were kept in livery yards or private yards, with only 0.7 per cent kept by equine welfare charities.

This year's results revealed that almost one in five horses (18.5 per cent) were suffering with lameness due to joint diseases or other non-foot related problems. The results are consistent with last year's figure of 18.6 per cent.

The survey also highlighted that laminitis had a much higher prevalence than in previous years (7.1 per cent) with 43 per cent of these recorded as first episodes. Previous NEHS results showed a lower number of horses affected by laminitis, but the Blue Cross say that further work is needed to confirm if this increase is representative of the total horse population in the UK.

Gemma Taylor, education officer at Blue Cross explains: "The increase in laminitis may be linked to the mild winter, extensive rainfall and consistently warm spring. These conditions were ideal for flushes of grass growth, known to be a trigger for the disease"

The Blue Cross say that the annual surveys have shown consistent trends and have validated much of the accepted veterinary opinion, for example on lameness and colic.

To download a copy of the results, visit www.bluecross.org.uk 

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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.