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Guide to assess equine fitness for transport
Horses in field
The guidelines are directed at anyone involved in transporting horses, ponies, and donkeys.

Aims to support good animal welfare

New guidelines to assess the fitness of equines for transport have been published following extensive research and consultation.

Coordinated by World Horse Welfare and the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations, the guidelines are directed at anyone involved in transporting horses, ponies, and donkeys.

The publication has been developed by experts in the fields of animal transport, welfare, veterinary medicine, industry, research and enforcement.

It aims to support good animal welfare, reduce public health risks, and develop a consistent approach across the European Union.

Furthermore, the guidelines help transporters avoid penalties, financial losses and withdrawal of authorisation or driver’s certificate of competence.

Welcoming the guidelines, Andrea Gavinelli, head of animal welfare at the European Commission, said: “EU Regulation 1/2005 states that “No animal shall be transported unless it is fit for the intended journey”. With this provision the legislator recognised the very important risk to welfare deriving from the transport of unfit animals.

“As in many cases, proper enforcement of the legislation depends upon it being understood. This is why these guidelines play an important role in assisting everyone involved in the transport of horses to ensure they are in full compliance with the legislation. Documents such as this are vital tools for maintaining good health and welfare amongst transported animals."

 

 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.