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: 8th April 2021
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

UK EHV-1 risk ‘nearing normal levels’
EHV-1 spreads among horses through close contact and coughing.
British Equestrian issues update following the outbreak in Europe.

British Equestrian (BEF) has issued an important update on the equine herpes virus (EHV-1) outbreak circulating within Europe.

On Wednesday (7 April), the Federation said that EHV-1 risk in the UK is 'nearing normal levels'. However, equine health certificates will be required for UK gatherings ‘for the foreseeable future’.

It said its Infectious Diseases Action Group (EIDAG) had considered data over the last three years, concluding that the risk level ‘is now dropping towards the baseline number of cases seen in any other year’. 

Welcoming the news, BEF chief executive Jim Eyre said: “We know that EHV is endemic in this country, but the threat posed by the European outbreak was a cause for great concern. I’d like to thank the member bodies and all their riders, owners and grooms, who embraced and followed the protocols so readily and with such commitment."

EHV-1 is a fatal disease that spreads among horses through close contact and coughing. The virus transmits via clothing or other objects, but it is more likely to spread between horses within stables and enclosed buildings. 

The recent outbreak, which originated at a showjumping event in Valencia, has so far claimed the lives of 18 horses across Europe and led to the cancellation of several international events. 

A BEF spokesperson said: “The EIDAG encourages event organisers to continue to request that competitors complete a self-certification of equine health and freedom from disease contact form. However, the group anticipates that by 12 April, it may be possible to remove the current restriction that, to attend UK horse gatherings, horses must have been resident in this country for the last 28 days. 

“A new template will be circulated to British Equestrian’s member bodies to remove this restriction after 12 April, providing that the current disease risk level continues to fall.”

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

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.