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Survey to gauge cost of living impact on horse owners
“We want to establish how those of us who care for horses are dealing with the current economic climate" - Carolyn Madgwick, NEWC.

The findings will enable the NEWC to better support equine owners. 

Horse owners are being asked how they're coping with the cost-of-living crisis in a new survey.

Launched on Wednesday (21 December), the research is being undertaken on behalf of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) by Redwings Horse Sanctuary, World Horse Welfare, Blue Cross, The British Horse Society, Oak Tree Animal Sanctuary and the British Farrier and Blacksmith Association.

NEWC chair Carolyn Madgwick said: “We want to establish how those of us who care for horses are dealing with the current economic climate. 

“The questions being asked include things like ‘what changes, if any, have you seen in horse care costs in the last year’ and ‘what changes have you made, or are considering, to save money?’.”

Feedback from the survey will be used to produce a report that will be shared with the public and, where relevant, the UK Government, Devolved Administrations and local authorities. The findings will also enable the NEWC to develop and publish guidance and advice to support those caring for horses across the UK. 

“The survey should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete, please do fill it in if you can and help us to understand how we might be able to help you,” Carolyn added.

The survey is available here and wil remain open until 31 January, 2023.

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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.