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Horse performs escapology in viral video
Image: Mariska
Footage of Fresian mare unlocking stable doors

A horse that has learned how to escape from its stable by teasing a lock with its mouth has become an internet sensation.

Mariska the pregnant mare, who lives at a small family-owned farm in Michigan, US, is causing havoc among her carers and fellow equids at the Misty Meadow Farm stables.

Not only does Mariska tease the lock on her own stable door then push it open with her nose, but she then proceeds to free the other Fresian horses that live alongside her.

Describing her as "kind of like the farm mascot", Mariska's carer Sandy says she is sweet, mischievous and extremely smart.

"She is loved dearly, but tends to cause us many moments of frustration as she is pretty convinced that doors were made to be opened," reads the farm's blog.

"[Mariska] has had many, many people viewing and leaving wonderful and fun comments. We have had just a blast sharing this video with so many people from all over the world! Now I am left wondering what else our girl Mariska could do. If she does this without any training, what might she accomplish with training.

"I will be exploring possible trick training options for her in the future and would love any opinions pro or con, and any information and names of respected trainers or techniques that might help us to give Mariska an outlet for her mischievousness."

A video of her escapology habits, named Mariska A.K.A Houdini, has reached over half a million views on YouTube. However, since the video went viral, concerns have been raised over Mariska's weight.

"Yes, we have a weight problem with Mariska, right now she is in foal and of course now she is eating for two… I would like to see her lose 100 lbs for an end weight of 1180 [lbs]," adds Sandy, who says she is Mariska's "diet buddy".

Click here to watch the video of Mariska performing "escapology".

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.