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World Horse Welfare webinars return with arthritis session
A series of expert-led horse welfare webinars will run every Wednesday from November- March.
The webinars will run every Wednesday this winter.

World Horse Welfare’s Welfare Wednesday Webinars are set to return from November, with expert-led sessions on different aspects of horse welfare.

The first session, on 1 November, will be presented by equine diagnostic imaging expert Dr Merry Smith, and will discuss how arthritic changes can be managed in ridden horses.

The webinar, hosted on Zoom, will explore how arthritic changes commonly affect ridden horses and the potential causes of this affliction. It also addresses the ways that horse owners can minimise the risks of arthritis in their horse, and effectively manage the condition if it develops.

As well as affecting older horses, World Horse Welfare says it is also being seen in younger horses.

The session will conclude with a live Q&A with Dr Smith, where the audience will be invited to ask any questions on the topic.

Dr Merry Smith has studied specialised surgical training in both the USA and UK, as well as completing her PhD on equine diagnostic imaging. In 2013, Dr Smith set up her own independent equine teleradiology service and now works as a freelance equine diagnostic imaging and surgery consultant.

Dr Smith’s session on arthritis launches a series of horse welfare webinars which will run every Wednesday from November- March. Other expert-led sessions will include nutrition, sleep, training methods and managing ulcers.

The Welfare Wednesday Webinar series was first offered in 2020 as a way to bridge the gap between current research, experts and horse owners. The sessions include accessible, practical advice and guidance which is suitable for everyone, from new horse-owners to industry professionals.

All of World Horse Welfare’s previous webinars, including topics such as horse fitness, mental wellbeing, biosecurity and euthanasia, are available on their website.

This year’s webinars are free to attend via Zoom, where viewers can partake in various polls, ask questions and enjoy an interactive experience. They will also be available on Facebook Live.

Dr Smith’s webinar, Managing arthritis changes in ridden horses will take place from 7pm on 1 November. To register for free, follow this link.

Image © Shutterstock

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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.