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Equine veterinary research gets £1.6 million boost
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."



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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.