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Funding cuts could impact all equines, warns BEVA
race horses
"It is essential that the racing industry continues to repay the debt owed to the horse to maintain welfare."

Calls to retain veterinary funding under the new Horserace Betting Right

Funding for equine veterinary research must be maintained under the new Horserace Betting Right, vets have said.

In the pre-election budget this week, it was announced that the Horserace Betting Right will replace the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), which has provided over £27 million in equine research and education since 2000.

"British racing significantly beats the rest of the world with its contributions to veterinary science," said Tim Mair, chair of the BEVA's education committee.

"The Equine Veterinary Journal has reported that over 10 per cent of its output relates to HBLB research. This is six times more than from Australia where a horseracing betting right is already in operation."

The new betting right is intended to generate more funding for the industry from off-shore gambling by selling the right to bet on horse racing, which is similar to the way musicians earn performing rights.

HBLB has provided considerable amounts of funding for infectious disease surveillance. Without this, BEVA warns that all equines in the UK could be impacted - not just racehorses.

David Mountford, BEVA's CEO, said: “This [surveillance] work is of benefit to all quarters of the equestrian world because viruses don’t distinguish between a racehorse and a pony. Any future cut-backs could affect the health of all horses and ponies in UK."

Britain is an international leader in terms of advances in equine veterinary science and improvements to health and welfare. Mr Mair said he is "cautiously optimistic" that the new funding generated will be good news for the industry, but called for a "robust mechanism" to ensure veterinary funding remains a priority.

BEVA's president Andrew Harrison concluded: "Without the horse there is no horseracing. It is essential that the racing industry continues to repay the debt owed to the horse to maintain welfare and enhance our understanding of equestrian science."

 

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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.