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Norfolk equine centre closes amid strangles outbreak
The outbreak was first reported in a new arrival on 5 February.
The World Horse Welfare farm has suspended all horse movements.

An equine rescue and rehoming centre in Norfolk has closed following an outbreak of strangles among its resident horses.

Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre, located in Snetterton, has suspended all movement of horses in and out of the farm as it works to prevent the spread of the respiratory disease.

The outbreak was first reported on 5 February, after a recent arrival to the centre tested positive for the highly infectious disease. The affected horse was put into isolation from the herd until it was no longer infectious.

However, following further cases on site, the centre has now been closed to visitors as a precautionary measure.

World Horse Welfare has cancelled all of its planned equestrian events, including a pole clinic. Rehoming will also be suspended until the centre is clear from infection.

While it is not a notifiable disease, strangles is a highly infectious respiratory condition affecting the horse’s upper respiratory tract.

World Horse Welfare says that its team is experienced in managing the disease, and is taking robust action to prevent the spread and protect the wider equine population. Animals which have contracted the disease are receiving treatment and are expected to make a full recovery.

Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre says that it will not hire out the venue for any equine until it is 100 per cent confident there is no further risk.

Malcolm Morley, World Horse Welfare’s director of UK support, said: “Given the nature of the horses World Horse Welfare helps, cases like this are not unexpected, and the team have well-rehearsed biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of disease spread.

“Whilst the risk of strangles spreading off the farm by visitors is extremely low, we felt we should take this additional step and close our doors to visitors whilst we investigate.

“We would like to apologise to everyone who had planned to visit Hall Farm this half term and reassure those who have visited recently that the disease poses no risk to humans.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course relaunched

News Story 1
 The VMD has announced dates for its next Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course.

The event will relaunch on Thursday, 23 October 2025 from 9am to 5pm and will be delivered through an interactive online session.

It is open for anyone involved in a veterinary dispensary role, whether they are new to the topic or looking for a refresh. Attendees will receive vital insights into the safe and compliant handling of veterinary medicines.

The course can be booked online for £495. 

Click here for more...
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New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.