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Project to research Epizootic Lymphangitis in equines
Symptoms of EZL can include skin nodules and abscesses.

Charities and organisations unite to tackle disease in Sub-Saharan Africa

The University of Liverpool, Brooke, SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) and the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust have teamed up to start a new five-year project to research the effects of epizootic lymphangitis (EZL) on equines and owners in Sub-Saharan Africa.

While EZL has not been present in the UK since 1906, the disease is still prevalent in the Sub-Saharan African area.

Horses, donkeys and mules are still relied upon in this region for farming and transport, and EZL can have a devastating effect on a herd as well as the owner’s family income.

The aim of the project is to gain more understanding of the disease and to develop effective action plans to prevent and treat. Not only will this improve the welfare for equines but it will also hold far reaching benefit over local communities.

EZL is a fungal infection that is highly contagious and can result in pus-contained skin nodules and abscesses along the neck and limbs as well as swelling and lameness. The eyes and respiratory system may also be affected.

Brooke, a UK-based equine charity, has been present in Sub-Saharan Africa since 2001 and its funding programmes have helped an estimated 13 million equines across the region.

SPANA operates across developing countries and administers free veterinary treatment to working animals.

The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust provides mobile veterinary clinics and also offers training in equine welfare to Gambians.

Donations to the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust can be made here.
Donations to SPANA can be made here.
Donations to Brooke can be made here.

 

Image (c) Brooke

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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...
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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."