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Up to 50,000 horses 'disappeared' during scandal
horses
Horses started to disappear in 2008 during the financial meltdown and it is "probable" they ended up in the food chain.
Food fraud expert makes alarming revelation

As many as 50,000 horses across Europe are said to have 'disappeared' and most likely ended up in the food chain during the 2013 horse meat scandal.

The claims were made by food fraud expert Professor Chris Elliott at a recent conference at the Doncaster Racecourse.

Prof Elliott led the investigation into the 2013 horse meat scandal, where beef products were found to contain horse meat. His report was published in 2014.

Now, he is warning that the UK could face a similar scandal unless the authorities and police take action.

Speaking at the 2015 Fighting Food Fraud conference, Prof Elliot said horses started to disappear in 2008 during the financial meltdown and it is "probable" they ended up in the food chain.

Horse & Hound quotes him as saying: "2013 was a wake up call for the UK. With organised gangs becoming attracted into food fraud, we must act now to prevent public health threats.

"The idea that 50,000 horses could just disappear may seem incredible to some, but the scale at which some of these gangs can operate is huge."

Whilst he said that establishing a national food crime unit is a "good first step", a collaborative approach is needed to improve the tracking and auditing of the food supply chain.

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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.