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Research provides fresh insight into colic causes
horse
Colic is one of the most common causes of death in horses and ponies.
Gastrointestinal disorder is seasonal, study finds

A gastrointestinal disorder which causes colic in horses is more prevalent from July-November, in horses up to the age of five, according to Lancashire researchers.

Idiopathic focal eosinophilic enteritis (IFEE) is a cause of colic or abdominal pain in horses.

Colic has significant financial and welfare implications and is one of the most common causes of death in horses and ponies. The cause of IFEE is not currently known, however.

Researchers from Lancaster University and the University of Liverpool wanted to find out how the age of the horse, time of year and geographical location affect the risk of IFEE.

They used data gathered over a 10-year period from horses and ponies admitted to Liverpool's Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital for exploratory examination to determine possible causes of colic. Out of 933 cases, 85 had IFEE.

The research team used advanced techniques in spatial statistics to analyse the data. According to the findings, which were published in the journal Plos ONE, researchers detected a seasonal pattern, with July-November being the 'riskiest' time of year.

Younger horses up to the age of five were found to be most at risk. In addition, the findings suggest IFEE is more prevalent in Lancashire than nearby counties. The study covered a region from Leicestershire to Cumbria.

Researchers say further work should be done to investigate environmental factors such as soil types and pathogens linked to similar spatial patterns of disease in other species.

Equine specialist Debra Archer from the University of Liverpool said: "This work enables us to better identify horses at risk of IFEE and has provided some clues about the possible cause of the condition which requires further research.

"Horse owners in the Lancashire area should be aware that the chances of their horse or pony developing this condition overall are still relatively low but we would appear to see more cases of IFEE here than anywhere else in the study region.

"It is important that we continue to try to find out what the underlying cause is to determine whether it can be prevented from occurring."

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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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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.