Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 10th August 2018
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Warning over risk to horses from plastic granulate
Some granulate may be cross-contaminated with non-plastic elements, which could be harmful to horses and riders.
Substance being sold as an alternative surface for centres 

Horses and riders could be at risk from plastic granulate being sold as an alternative surface for equestrian centres in Yorkshire, the Environment Agency (EA) has warned.

The substance is a waste material derived from recycling cable sheathing and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). EA says some waste producers and brokers are marketing it as a base material for horse maneges and track surfaces.

However, no legal route is available for its use in this context, unless an Environmental Permit is acquired.

Some plastic granulate may be cross-contaminated with non-plastic elements, such as metal fragments and glass, meaning surfaces containing these could be harmful to horses and riders.

Plastics in these substances can also contain Persistent Organic Pollutants, phthalates and lead stearate. Weathering may cause these to be leached into the environment, potentially contaminating land and ground water.

EA officer Greg Deakin urged people with equestrian facilities to carefully consider the use of this material.

“It might be offered free of charge or for a small delivery fee,” he explained, “but it is an offence under the Environmental Permitting Regulations to use this waste without appropriate environmental controls.

“If you’re found to have plastic granulate waste deposited on your land without the appropriate Environmental Permit awarded by the Environment Agency, you could be fined and be liable for the cost of its disposal.”

EA is advising people to contact them if they are approached and offered this material, if they do not have a suitable Environmental Permit. Tel: 03708 506 506 and ask to speak to your local waste team, or email the details to enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.