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New biosecurity handbook for horse venues
The guidance aims to bring equines safely together at all types of competition or meeting.
The resource aims to help in the fight against disease transmission.

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

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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.