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Strangles Awareness Week 2022 seeks veterinary ambassadors
"We know from our own research that vets are the most trusted source of information when it comes to strangles for horse owners" - Andie McPherson, Redwings.
Event aims to raise awareness of this common infectious disease amongst horse owners.

The Strangles Working Group, consisting of some of the UK’s leading welfare charities, veterinary colleges and organisations, has launched an appeal for ambassadors for its 2022 Strangles Awareness Week.

Soon to be entering its third year, Strangles Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of this common infectious disease amongst horse owners. The 2021 event, which took place 3-9 May, was supported by more than 180 ambassadors, 63 of which were veterinary practices and members of the veterinary press.

Following the success of the 2021 campaign, organisers are now seeking veterinary ambassadors for 2022, which will take place from 2-8 May. Ambassadors will join a mailing list to receive exclusive Strangles Awareness Week content for their social media channels and guidance on sharing their own experiences of the disease. 

“We know from our own research that vets are the most trusted source of information when it comes to strangles for horse owners, so we’ve been delighted to see the number of practices supporting the Week growing year on year,” commented Andie McPherson, Redwings’ campaigns manager.

“One in three Ambassadors from this year’s campaign also commented that they had never or rarely posted about strangles on their social media pages prior to the Week, so it gave them a platform to proactively raise the topic with their followers and clients and start constructive conversations around the disease’s prevention and management.”

Established in 2020, Strangles Awareness Week is the collaborative effort of The British Horse Society, Intervacc, Keeping Britain’s Horses Healthy, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Scotland’s Rural College’s Premium Assured Strangles Scheme (PASS), Surveillance of Equine Strangles (SES) and World Horse Welfare.

For the first time, the 2021 event was supported by a host of international equine and veterinary organisations, including Sweden’s National Veterinary Institute, MSD Animal Health in the Netherlands and the University of Melbourne. The event reached some 310,000 online, while millions more received the Week’s messages via global veterinary and equine publications. 

With COVID-19 restrictions easing, organisers hope that next year’s event will provide an opportunity for vet practices to host client evenings or talks at local livery yards.

Those interested in signing up to be an Ambassador for Strangles Awareness Week 2022 should email campaigns@redwings.co.uk

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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.