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BHA reports outbreak of equine herpesvirus
Horse and rider
Equine herpes virus is a common infection that affects horse populations across the world.
Training yard quarantined until further notice

An outbreak of equine herpesvirus 1 has been confirmed at a training yard in Yorkshire.

According to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), only one horse is thought to be affected. The organisation is now working with the yard owner, Kevin Ryan, his staff and veterinary surgeon to ensure that correct control measures are in place.

“Cases of the neurological form of EHV-1 are occasional and, while the disease can be extremely serious for the affected horses, with proper surveillance and disease control the virus can usually be effectively contained,” commented David Sykes, director of equine health and welfare for the BHA.

“While the risk of the virus being transmitted in a controlled race day environment is relatively small, it is, in theory, possible that horses from the yard in question may have been infectious some time before the disease was diagnosed. For this reason, we have taken measures to alert trainers, as well as racecourses and veterinary surgeons, to be vigilant to the clinical signs.”

The measures put in place by the BHA include further testing, increased biosecurity and a temporary quarantine stop. The stop will prevent Mr Ryan from making declarations for races in the UK until further notice.

As a precautionary measure, two further yards have also been quarantined due to their close proximity and the sharing of horse boxes. The BHA states that these measures have been taken as a precaution, ‘with the safety of the horse population very much in mind.’

Equine herpesvirus is a common infection that affects horse populations across the world. The two most common strains - EHV-1 and EHV-4 - can cause respiratory disease, especially in young horses. They will also cause abortion in broodmares and EHV-1 can also lead to un-coordination, paralysis and death.

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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.