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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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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.