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Practices warned on skin conditions
Charities campaign to highlight 'Sweet Itch'

A coalition of charities and animal welfare organisations are urging practices to raise awareness of summer skin condition in horses, with a particular emphasis on Sweet Itch. The designation of March as Sweet Itch Awareness Month (SIAM) has been declared by the British Horse Society (BHS), The Blue Cross, The Horse Trust, Redwings Horse Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare (WHW).

Research by Elanco Companion Animal Health revealed that vets are usually consulted after horse owners have tried and failed to manage the condition themselves (73%) or if the clinical symptoms have reached the stage at which they are deemed severe (67%), which could potentially lead to major welfare implications. The research also found that over a quarter of respondents (26%) did not start managing the conditions before the period of greatest risk in the spring midge season and nearly a third (31%) were obliged to curtail activities with their horses due to behavioural, welfare or aesthetic issues that include aggression and unpredictability.

Commenting, Head of Welfare at the BHS Lee Hackett said "The results of this survey show just how important raising awareness of sweet itch is. All of us, whether we are welfare organisations or vets, need to play our part in educating owners about sweet itch in the hope that they will seek expert advice at an earlier stage and reduce the number of horses that suffer as a result of this condition."

Echoing Mr Hackett's sentiment, Education Officer at The Blue Cross Kerry Taylor said "The Blue Cross is pleased to be supporting the sweet itch campaign to raise awareness of the physical and mental impact this condition has on horses. During our May 2011 National Equine Health Survey, skin problems came out the top syndrome affecting horses, and we continue to see many horses coming into our care suffering from sweet itch. Prevention and early treatment is key to managing the potentially debilitating condition."

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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.