Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 24th October 2014
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Research provides free resource on working equines
donkey
There are estimated to be 100 million working horses, donkeys and mules worldwide.
Collection of articles to encourage information sharing and improve welfare

A new collection of free research articles aims to build understanding and encourage joint working to address the welfare problems of the world's working equids.

The articles, a compendium of eight research papers published online by the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) and sponsored by World Horse Welfare, will be added to as new data emerges to form a free resource for all practitioners working in equine welfare.

The new research tool comes after the 7th International Colloquium on Working Equids in July this year, where more than 150 representatives from 27 countries discussed the plight of the estimated 100 million working horses, donkeys and mules who sustain human livelihoods around the world and recommended that broader access to research would encourage greater worldwide collaboration.

The current collection addresses clinical problems such as lameness, tack-related wounds and parasite infestation and the risks associated with the meat and milk of the working equid in the human diet.

Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare, said; “To improve the effectiveness of programmes focused on working equids globally, we need to share information globally. Research builds the evidence base for better interventions and helps improve collaboration between equine charities and veterinary organisations, with human development organisations, universities and governments. Wider access to relevant research should make an even greater, sustainable impact for working equids and World Horse Welfare is pleased to support the EVJ in helping to achieve this end."

Prevention and treatment for common welfare problems start being addressed through knowledge and education and the articles are available free online at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1001/%28ISSN%292042-3306/homepage/working_equid_virtual_issue.htm.

More research is needed on working equids and World Horse Welfare offers bursaries to veterinary students and grants to encourage research into major welfare challenges both in the UK and overseas. To find out more contact andrewhiggins@worldhorsewelfare.org. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.