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BHA clarifies use of levothyroxine sodium
Racehorses
Levothyroxine sodium must not be present in the horses system on raceday.
Horse must show evidence of equine metabolic syndrome or hypothyroidism

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has issued a notice clarifying whether, when and how levothyroxine sodium may be administered under the BHA Rules of Racing.

Levothyroxine sodium is a prohibited substance and therefore must not be present in the horses system on raceday. It is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring hormone, thyroxine, that is made and released by the thyroid gland.

The BHA's rule on the use of veterinary treatment and medication states that “every treatment must be fully justifiable by the medical condition of the horse receiving the treatment”.

For the administration of the hormone to be justified, the organisation say that the horse must have undergone dynamic endocrine tests, which show good evidence of either equine metabolic syndrome or hypothyroidism.

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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. 

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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.