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UAE vet suspended by FEI
endurance
An investigation was recently launched into duplicate results from endurance events in the UAE. (stock photo)

Suspension imposed for non-compliance with rules

A vet from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been suspended as an FEI official for failure to comply with rules and regulations.

Dr Hallvard Sommerseth was head of the veterinary department at the UAE Equestrian Federation (EEF). His provisional suspension comes into immediate effect and will last for 'an indeterminate period'.

As a result, he will not be able to take part in or be involved with the organisation of any FEI events or competitions, or any event under the jurisdiction of a national federation.

The FEI, which is the international governing body for equestrian sport, says the suspension was imposed due to Dr Sommerseth's 'consistent failure' to comply with FEI rules and regulations over a period of several years.

An investigation was recently launched into a number of duplicate results submitted to the FEI from endurance events in the UAE.

FEI's secretary general, Sabrina Zeender, said that while acting as an FEI official at a number of endurance events from April 2012-February 2014, Dr Sommerseth failed in his role as a technical delegate by allowing the events to take place without accurate timing systems.

This failure is also said to have been a contributory factor in duplicate results being submitted to FEI.

According to a report by the Equestrian Community Integrity Unit, timing systems were not used at the events and accurate timings were not taken of each competitor's phases. Instead, timings were copied from other events.

All these events and duplicate results will be deleted. Any horse/rider combination that used these results to qualify for subsequent events will be disqualified.

The EEF's provisional suspension from the sport of endurance was recently lifted after it signed an agreement with the FEI, in which it pledges to ensure horse welfare will be respected and rules and regulations strictly enforced at all endurance events.

In addition, EEF agreed that any sanctions imposed by the FEI would be implemented and enforced on a national level.

Image © olgaru79/Shutterstock.com

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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...
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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.