HBLB awarded research and education grants

The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) has awarded £1.6 million in equine veterinary research and education grants for 2013, an increase of over 30 per cent on this year's allocation.

Nine new research projects will be supported in disciplines that reflect the HBLB's research priorities. The prevention of infectious disease remains a key priority and one in which the HLB has invested over the years. Previous funding towards effective vaccines for 'rattles' and strangles will be built upon, as will the modelling of the potential effects of African Horse Sickness, in the event of it spreading to Britain.

The creation of a rapid diagnostic test for West Nile disease will also receive funding, and research will also commence towards improved vaccines and novel drugs to protect the thoroughbred breeding industry from equine herpes virus, which can cause abortion, neonatal death and neurological disease.

Professor Willie Donachie, Chair of the HBLB's Veterinary Advisory Committee, said: "We are delighted that the Board has been able to commit £1.6m in 2012 and continue with its long-standing and effective investment in key areas such as infectious disease, racehorse safety and musculoskeletal injury. The grants that have been awarded support a full programme of scientific research and education that will make relevant and useful contributions to racehorse health for owners, breeders, trainers and their veterinary advisers."