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Publication to help mitigate the spread of equine disease
"The welfare of our equines and mitigating the risk of transmission is a team effort" - Celia Marr, EIDAG.
Guidance provides practical advice for those organising equine activities. 

New guidance aimed at reducing the risk of equine disease transmission has been published by British Equestrian’s Equine Infectious Disease Action Group (EIDAG).

The document, entitled Advice notes for BEF member bodies and organisers of horse gatherings, provides practical advice so those in the equine industry who oversee and organise equine activities can put effective and practical measures, guidance and education in place.

It is the result of months of input from the EIDAG, and is based on ten pillars of equine infectious disease management that organisers should follow, including:
  • responsibility
  • raising standards and education
  • risk communication and responsiveness
  • vaccination
  • vigilance and risk reduction
  • biosecurity practice: participants
  • biosecurity practice: stabling
  • early disease recognition
  • transparent information sharing
  • support national infectious disease management.
Based on compliance and measures in place, gatherings can then operate at gold, silver or bronze standard to illustrate the level of biosecurity in place to those looking to enter or take part.

The advice notes also contain general background information on a number of endemic and exotic diseases present in Great Britain to help educate horse owners on signs and management.

“Infectious Disease is with us all time, but the welfare of our equines and mitigating the risk of transmission is a team effort. Responsibility lies with all of us in the equine community to work together and play a part,” commented Celia Marr, chair of the EIDAG.

“The recent EHV outbreak in Europe clearly demonstrated what is possible with a collaborative approach between horse owners, member bodies, veterinary practitioners, industry advisers and organisers. We managed the situation promptly so there were no linked cases on home soil, but without us working together, the situation could have been much worse.

“We hope the guidance notes are the catalyst for instilling the principles of biosecurity and their importance for all who interact with equines, be they grassroots or professionals. Getting the key messages across, education and practical advice is crucial to reducing transmission risk and keeping disease in our equine population in check.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.