New biosecurity handbook for horse venues
The guidance aims to bring equines safely together at all types of competition or meeting.
British Equestrian has announced the launch of a new handbook for horse events venues and organisers to help reduce disease transmission.
Compiled by industry leaders and veterinary experts, Reducing disease risk together: Advice notes for venues which host horse gatherings aims to bring equines safely together at all types of competition or meeting, keep horses healthy and the equestrian scene active.
The 16-page document has been compiled in collaboration with the Equine Infectious Disease Advisory Group (EIDAG), and follows on from the comprehensive guide for reducing spread of disease, released in September 2021.
It includes comprehensive guidance on infectious disease management, risk reduction strategies, practical biosecurity and recommendations for venues with horses that are permanent residents.
EIDAG chair Celia Marr said: “It’s incredibly gratifying to be able to launch our second biosecurity resource to the equestrian industry on behalf of British Equestrian. The members Equine Infectious Disease Advisory Group have worked hard to produce this handbook which we hope venues will find a great asset – and hope all equestrians will also read it as we all have a role to play in safeguarding the health of our own horses, and that of the national equine herd.
“I’m grateful for the support and contribution of EIDAG members and their knowledge and insight, which has made the handbook possible.”
The book is available to view or download from britishequestrian.org.uk
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
