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World Horse Welfare reacts to transport recommendations
World Horse Welfare's founding campaign seeks to prevent needless long journeys to slaughter in Europe.
European Commission report outlines new welfare protections.

World Horse Welfare, the UK's largest equine charity, has reacted to the European Commission's (EC) recommendations to improve the conditions during the transport of horses.

The EC's scientific advisors presented a report on animal transport in Europe, and World Horse Welfare has welcomed its recommendations regarding shorter journeys, allowing more space and better training for people involved in the transport of horses.

Chief executive of World Horse Welfare, Roly Owers, commented on the recommendations: “We welcome this report which acknowledges what we have been saying for years: the longer the journey, the more horses can suffer, especially when conditions are not right. 

'These recommendations echo many of our own, including the need for shorter journeys, increased space allowance and better training for everyone involved in transporting horses.

'The report is an irrefutable case for change, and I very much hope that their recommendations will be taken on board, alongside a specified maximum journey time limit.

“In the shadow of Brexit there is a real danger that animal transport requirements in GB and EU will significantly differ. World Horse Welfare is working to seek as close alignment as possible with animal welfare and health rules, including disease control. 

'This will hopefully ensure the welfare of equines as they are transported between the EU and Great Britain, but also allow for ease of compliance for transporters.”

In the recommendations, the scientific advisors stated that horses should not be transported in temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius inside the vehicle. 

They also stipulate that each animal should have a minimum of 40cm space in excess of both width and length, and that overall journey times should be reduced, with stationary rest, feed and watering provided for a minimum of 30 minutes every four hours.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.