Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 27th December 2017
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

FEI updates regulations for OVs
The 2018 guidelines stipulate that horses can no longer be vaccinated prior to competition on the day in which they compete.

Updates include modification to veterinary treatment

The FEI has announced a series of updates to its regulations for Official Veterinarians (OVs). The updates will come into effect on 1 January 2018 and include clarification regarding the use of supportive therapies at FEI events.

Among the modifications is an update to veterinary treatment. The 2018 guidelines stipulate that horses can no longer be vaccinated prior to competition on the day in which they compete.

‘Horses can still be treated at events after they have competed, the guidelines state. ‘An exception to the regulation will be granted for classes starting at 1800hrs or later.’

The guidelines also provide classification regarding the use of equine therapists and supportive therapies, both of which have been categorised into Non-Restricted and Restricted Therapies. A new category of personnel known as ‘Permitted Equine Therapists’ will be permitted to carry out restricted therapies in which they are trained and must work under the supervision of a PTV.

The FEI adds that an online registration system is currently under development and that its OVs will receive further communication regarding this in the coming months. Due to the time needed to develop the system, the status of Permitted Equine Therapists will be regulated from 1 July 2018.

Under the new regulations, horses will not be permitted to wear bandages, blankets or rugs and must not be presented with their identity concealed. Minor changes have also be made to the minimum requirements for stabling facilities, veterinary services and equipment requirements.

The 2018 Veterinary Regulations have been approved by the FEI’s General Assembly and are available to download from the FEI website.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."