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National Equine Forum details announced
The National Equine Forum will take place in London on the 5 March 2020.
Conference to explore importance of human behaviour change

Vets, government officials and leading figures from the equestrian sector are set to share their knowledge and inspire debate at the 28th National Equine Forum (NEF).

The annual event will take place on the 5, March 2020 in London and will cover a myriad of important topics relevant to the equine sector. A highlight of the programme will explore why human behavioural science is so important for the equine sector.

In a session exploring how human behaviour change can make a difference to horse welfare, BEVA council member David Rendle will discuss behaviour change and its potential impact on worming compliance.

The session will also include a talk about colic from University of Nottingham professor Sarah Freeman, and a discussion on strangles from Abigail Turnbull of the Richmond Equestrian Centre.

David Rendle said: “Changing human behaviour offers the key to improving equine welfare in the UK. Veterinary surgeons understand the medical needs of their patients but have insufficient understanding of the drivers of human behaviours which are frequently implicated in equine health and disease. They also lack the right tools with which to implement human behaviour change.

"Looking specifically at the responsible use of anthelmintics, will owners with an emotional connection to an individual ever put the interests of the equine population first? Will striving for behaviour change ever be sufficient in this scenario or does change need to be enforced to put animal welfare ahead of human sentiment?”

The NEF will also include a comprehensive session on Brexit, animal health, emerging diseases, and what has been knowledge has been gained from the 2019 equine flu outbreak. Audience members are invited to participate during Q&A segments, while those watching the live stream can submit questions via social media.

For more information about the event, visit www.nationalequineforum.com

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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...
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."