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New initiative to help vets take action against strangles
The launch of the new pledge coincides with the announcement of Strangles Awareness Week.

Alliance aims to end stigma around infection

A new online pledge, launched today at the National Equine Forum, will allow veterinary surgeons and professionals who work with horses to show their commitment to tackling the stigma that surrounds strangles.

The Vets & Professionals Pledge is a voluntary commitment to normalising discussion of strangles with clients and directing them to further advice and guidance. As well as emphasising the importance of biosecurity and good hygiene practices.

This joins the other existing pledges for yard managers and horse owners, launched by Redwings Horse Sanctuary in November 2018, which now have over 1,080 sign-ups.

Those who pledge will receive:

  • a certificate in recognition of their support
  • regular emails offering support and guidance on maintaining their pledge
  • research and information on the disease and its outbreaks
  • relevant announcements from other strangles-related initiatives in the UK.

Andie Vilela, Redwings Horse Sanctuary’s campaigns manager, said: “We know that when horse owners want advice about Strangles, they often look towards a vet or a trusted professional. With the launch of this new Pledge, we hope to provide them with the additional tools they need to give that vital support for their clients and maximise their influence to prompt more conversations around biosecurity so we can tackle this disabling stigma.”

The launch of the pledge coincides with the announcement of Strangles Awareness Week – a new national week of action created by multiple equine-focused organisations including Redwings Horse Sanctuary, the Animal Health Trust, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and the British Horse Society.

Strangles Awareness Week will take place from 4-10 May 2020 and will encourage owners and professionals to share their knowledge and experiences through a series of online activities and events.

For further information about either the pledges or Strangles Awareness Week, please visit the Stamp Out Strangles webpage.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.