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Behavioural study seeks to improve racehorse welfare
Behavioural indicators used could include facial expression, ear posture or muscle tension.

Researchers to develop method of judging equine mood.

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has announced a new study to improve the welfare of racehorses.

Funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation, the project seeks to develop a system for judging the emotional state and preferences of horses, using subtle changes in behaviour to decipher this. 

The system will be based on experimental studies of horse behaviour, and consultations will be held with riders and stable workers, among others, working in the racehorse industry.

Professor Cathy Dwyer, from the veterinary school, commented: “Body language in horses can be a clear way to understand their emotional state. 

“Using sophisticated and detailed measures of these behavioural responses may allow us to interpret the animal’s mood, and give us an insight into their welfare.”

Alongside collaborators from Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), researchers will consult those working in the racehorse industry to gain an understanding of how welfare is viewed within the industry, and what indicators are currently used to judge equine mood.

Observational studies will also be undertaken, looking at racehorses in their average daily routines to inform robust and objective measures to assess the horses under a range of conditions.

This will allow for reliable decisions to be made regarding welfare, rather than using subjective opinions to make judgement calls.

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Rabbit Awareness Week set to return this summer

News Story 1
 Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) is returning this summer, running from 24-28 June 2024. The theme for this year will be 'Healthy Diet, Happy Bunnies'.

The focus on rabbits' diet comes after the most recent PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report report revealed that 42 per cent of veterinary professionals identified inappropriate diet as one of the five most important rabbit welfare issues that need to be address.

The campaign will include veterinary blogs, videos, and digital waiting room resources. Practices can sign up to receive updates about RAW. 

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News Shorts
CVS Group hit by cyber attack

CVS Group, which owns more than 450 veterinary practices in the UK, has been hit by a cyber attack.

In a statement, the group said the incident involved unauthorised external access to a limited number of its IT systems. As soon as the attack was discovered, the group took its IT systems temporarily offline, causing 'considerable operational disruption'.

It has warned that the security steps taken and ongoing plans to move its operational systems and IT infrastructure to the Cloud are likely to have an ongoing impact over a number of weeks.

Due to the risk that personal information was accessed, CVS has informed the Information Commissioner's Office. The company is working with third party consultants to investigate the incident.