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.
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

Government updates guidance on movement of horses
Owners will need to consult with a vet at least six weeks before they are planning to travel.

Guidance designed to help owners in a no-deal scenario

The Government has updated its guidance for owners on the movement of horses and other equines in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

The guidance is designed to give owners time to prepare for the new processes, and factor in extra travel time that be required when travelling to and from the EU.

“While the Government is seeking a deal, we have stepped up our preparations and we will be ready to leave the EU on 31 October, whatever the circumstances,” explained Defra minister Lord Gardiner.

“This guidance will help businesses and owners of horses prepare if we leave without a deal and the Government has already committed to the continued movement of horses from EU member states.”

If the UK leaves the EU on 31 October without a deal:

 • equines travelling from the UK to the EU may need to undergo additional blood tests, which will need to be carried out within 30 days or less of travelling to satisfy EU regulations
 • owners will need to consult with a vet at least six weeks before they are planning to travel
 • all equines will need an Export Health Certificate in order to travel to EU states, instead of current documents, and will need to enter the EU via a Border Inspection Post (BIP)
 • most equines will also need a Government-issued travel ID document, as well as their existing equine passport.

The UK has already committed to allow the continued movement of all equines from EU member states ahead of major equestrian events and to support the industries that rely on these animals.

The government is continuing with its application to the European Commission (EC) on securing listed status for the UK, which would enable the continued movement of equines to EU member states.

If the UK is not provided with listed status by the EC, equines will not be able to travel until listed status is secured. 

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

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.