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First gastric ulcer study launched
Research to aid equine vets in ulcer management

 The University of Liverpool has launched what is believed to be the world's first large scale study of equine ulcers.

At an official launch briefing, 21 participating veterinary practices were told they will be making history by being involved in the project, which aims to improve the understanding of ulceration in performance horses.

The study, which will include well over 200 performance horses, is being conducted by Richard Hepburn MRCVS as part of his PhD at the university.

Commenting on the study, he said: "Gastric ulceration in sports horses is poorly understood, especially compared with racehorses. But what we do know is that it’s a very important factor in the performance and well-being of many horses in training and competition."

Deb Criddle, 2012 Paralympic Gold medallist, attended the event and explained the importance of regular gastroscopy and ulcer management of paralympic team horses, and the difference this made to her success.

Referring to her Bejing ride, Pavaroti, she said: "If it weren’t for the diagnosis and treatment of Pavaroti’s ulcers I don’t know what we’d have done. I would probably have had to withdraw him from training, so it made the difference between our partnership continuing or not."

Mr Hepburn expects prevalence to be 60 per cent, and has tasked participants with scoping all areas of the stomach, pylorus and duodenum, to ensure diagnosis of every incidence of ulceration.

It is hoped the study will improve knowledge of glandular disease, which Mr Hepburn explained "appears to have a very different aetiology to squamous ulceration, and often presents with different signs. We also believe that prevalence of glandular ulceration is most common in sports horses."

Mr Hepburn concluded: "We hope that publication of this study will help all equine vets in their work with performance horses and the quest to prevent and manage equine ulcers."

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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.