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BEVA monitoring shortage of equine influenza vaccinations
"If it becomes necessary, we will collectively work to devise practical solutions for dealing with any supply difficulties" - Jim Eyre, CEO of British Equestrian.
Equine organisations preparing to quantify impact of interrupted supply.

A collaboration between the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), British Equestrian (BEF) and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has been set up to monitor interruptions to the supply of equine influenza vaccines.

Minor interruptions to the supply of vaccines have already been noted by the group, but a significant logistical issue faced by Boehringer Ingelheim has further raised the likelihood of a reduction in supplies in the months ahead. 

The group is liaising with the three vaccine manufacturers to create solutions and minimise the impact of the shortage. 

Chair of BEVA's Health and Medicines Committee, David Rendle said: “BEVA, BHA and the BEF will continue to work together with other industry and equestrian sporting bodies to manage the situation should the availability of influenza vaccines be compromised further.

“We remind all horse owners of the importance of maintaining vaccination for equine influenza but would advise they wait until as close a time as possible until their horse’s next dose is due to minimise current demand.”

Marc Laemmer, equine business head at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, said: “We are currently experiencing a European-wide supply issue relating to our equine influenza and influenza-tetanus vaccines. 

“This has been caused by unexpected issues following the implementation of a technology upgrade and is not a product or quality issue. This means that some vet practices will have difficulty obtaining sufficient influenza vaccines and there may be a shortage in the UK market. 

“We understand the importance of these vaccines to equine welfare, and we are continuing to work tirelessly to find a solution so that we can return to normal supply as soon as possible.”

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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."