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App data to aid equine disease research
The data will be used to identify infection hot spots.
Researchers ask horse owners to share movement data.

Horse owners in the UK are being encouraged to share their riding and journey data through a smartphone app to help scientists improve their understanding of infectious equine diseases and manage their spread.

Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) plan to use the data to trace contact between horses across the UK, giving them valuable information which can be used in the fight against diseases such as equine influenza, strangles, and equine herpesviruses.

Owners and riders of competition and leisure horses can share their data with the research team through the free Digital Stable app.

Developed by Equine Register, the app already gave owners access to their horses’ digital passport records and allowed them to make sure that details held on the Central Equine Database were up to date.

Digital Stable now has two new features: ‘Record My Ride’ and ‘Record My Journey’.

‘Record My Ride’ works like an exercise app and allow riders to record and share data about the route and duration of each ride while out on a horse. The ‘Record My Journey’ feature will track the movement of horses being transported, whether to events, competitions, riding schools, or any other destination.

The researchers will use anonymised data from the app to identify locations where the risk of infection is highest. This information will be used to manage the risk, minimise the spread of infections, prevent outbreaks, and reduce disruption when outbreaks do occur.

Dr Jackie Cardwell, associate professor in epidemiology at the RVC, said: “Owners and riders will play a crucial role in this research by sharing their horse or pony’s movement data. Whether going on the occasional hack, attending a lesson or clinic, or competing in any level of competition, all movement data will make a valuable contribution.”

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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  

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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.