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Vets are ‘key influencers’ in horse vaccination decisions
Just 40 per cent of surveyed horse owners vaccinated against EHV.

Survey finds more than half of owners unaware of EHV vaccine

A new survey suggests educating horse owners could significantly impact their likelihood of vaccinating against equine herpes virus (EHV).

Research carried out by Zoetis in March found that while 87 per cent of horse owners vaccinated against equine influenza and tetanus, just 40 per cent vaccinated against EHV.

More than half (55 per cent) were unaware that an EHV vaccine is available. But 77 per cent of those who did not vaccinate said they would in future, having learnt more about it.

Veterinary advice and endorsements from rider associations were consistently found to be significant influencers when it comes to decisions about vaccinating.

A separate survey aimed at vets found 93 per cent agree that EHV vaccination is effective for its licensed indications, while 83 per cent said EHV may impact performance in competition horses.

Almost all vets and horse owners who took part in the survey said they would like more information on EHV to be made readily available. In response, a group of equine vets have produced a roundtable document, while Zoetis has put together a series of educational videos for owners and a CPD video for vets.

Emmeline Hannelly, welfare education manager at the British Horse Society, said: “The awareness and interest in equine contagious diseases has increased in the equine community following the equine influenza outbreak.

"As reflected in the survey results, it’s encouraging that a high proportion of horse owners want to find out further information and understand the potential risk of EHV to their horses.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.