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Welfare And Education Committee News
Laminitis Awareness sessions
19th March 2010 - Royal Veterinary College Hertfordshire
26th March 2010 - University of Liverpool, Leahurst
9th April 2010 - Royal (dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Easter Bush, Scotland
Opportunity to hear the latest Laminitis research from the universities.
For further information contact Karen Fletcher on 01832 737395 or visit
http://www.dodsonandhorrell.com/
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Equine Infectious Anaemia - Wiltshire - Update 3rd Feb 2010 from Hampshire Horse Watch
You may have heard by now that two horses in Wiltshire have been humanely destroyed having tested positive for antibodies against Equine Infectious Anaemia, or Swamp Fever. Obviously this is bad news but it is important to keep it in perspective and not worry unnecessarily. There is already a lot of unhelpful and incorrect speculation flying around on the internet so the BHS felt it would be helpful to provide a few facts.
EIA is spread by insect vectors (or potentially contaminated veterinary equipment) NOT by close contact between horses. The cold snap will have ensured that insect vectors are few and far between and those that have survived will not fly far. Standards of veterinary hygiene are such in this country that contaminated veterinary equipment should not be an issue. Hence, transmission of the EIA virus between horses will be very difficult.
The two animals that tested positive were imported into this country. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that EIA has been successfully transmitted within the UK. The horses have now been destroyed so they are not acting as a reservoir to potentially infect others.
It is extremely positive that these horses were identified (they were not displaying clinical signs). This goes to show that import checks are working.
The premises at which the affected horses were identified are under restrictions and Defra are conducting a full epidemiological investigation.
We are not seeking to downgrade this outbreak or denigrate anybody's fears, this is obviously very serious news. However, it is exceedingly likely that this outbreak will be contained and the threat to other horses really is small. The best advice that we can give is to read up on Equine Infectious Anaemia and familiarise yourself with its clinical signs. Remain vigilant and if you have any concerns contact your vet immediately.
Ref: 06/10
Date: 19 January 2010
Equine infectious anaemia (EIA) has been detected in two horses in Wiltshire following importation from Romania via Belgium, Defra confirmed today.
The premises is currently under restriction and the two infected horses will be humanely destroyed in line with existing regulations. The other horses on the premises will be subject to epidemiological investigation in the coming weeks. A further two horses have also been under investigation and test results have proved negative.
The animals arrived in a group of 10 horses, nine of which originated from Romania and one from Belgium. The nine Romanian horses were tested for EIA as part of routine post-import testing. Seven horses all tested negative. The horse that originated in Belgium is due to be tested shortly.
Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens said:
"This is the first case of equine infectious anaemia infected animals being imported into Great Britain since 1976 and shows the success of our post import testing regime. These were apparently healthy horses carrying a notifiable disease that we are keen to keep out of Great Britain. After considering the risk I have decided to take appropriate action and humanely destroy these two horses that tested positive."
Notes to Editors
- Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) is a virus disease of horses causing intermittent fever, anaemia, emaciation and death. It can be transmitted by the exchange of blood by biting insects and occurs typically in low-lying swampy areas.
- A notifiable disease is a disease named in section 88 of the Animal Health Act 1981 or an Order made under that Act and must be reported.
- This disease occurs in horses, mules and donkeys. Animals may be acutely, chronically or subclinically affected. The incubation period is variable, from a matter of days to a few months but generally one to three weeks. Antibodies usually develop seven to 14 days after infection and last for life.
- For an animal testing positively for EIA, the only course of action is to humanely put it down. This may be for the welfare of the affected horse, but also to protect other horses from infection. Once infected, horses are infected for life and can pose a risk to other horses in close proximity. We have agreed with equine industry veterinary surgeons that destruction is the right response in this particular case. This response is in accordance with both the Infectious Disease of Horses Order 1987 and the Specified Disease (Notification and Slaughter) Order 2006.
- EIA is not a zoonotic disease and has no human health implications.
- For further information, please see the DEFRA website
While many of us feel we already adhere to good equine practise the new law allows for greater scrutiny of our husbandry. In particular the duty of care we have to show to our animals to ensure they have the 5 freedoms:
A suitable environment
A suitable diet
To be able to behave normally
To be housed with or apart from other animals (whatever is best for that particular animal )
To be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
This means that welfare organisations have greater facility to tackle cruelty and abuse.
NPS helps local RDA Group
Following a recent tidy up in the Alton office the NPS was able to provide a bag of redundant rosettes to their local Riding for the Disabled group.
The Broadlands RDA group is run by Suzanne Stratford and situated at Medstead just outside Alton. Suzanne can be seen in the picture below receiving the rosettes. She is skilled at adapting rosettes for use as awards for the kids who ride with her.
Broadlands is a very active RDA group with seven ponies of various sizes all well trained and willing to do all they can to help people to both enjoy and benefit from riding.
Many individuals, both adults and children, with all sorts of disabilities ride regularly at Broadlands. Also the center has close links with the Lord Mayor Treloars School in Alton and Shepherds Down Special School near Winchester. Groups of kids from these schools come to ride each week during term time and benefit in very different ways from their riding. The group is well supported by a willing band of helpers who are essential because three per pony can be required for these sessions, one leading and one walking each side.
As well as the regular riding Suzanne organises a variety of other events such as riding in the New Forest, Pony Club days, riding holidays in Wales and fund raising events. If you would like to know more about this group please go to www.broadlands-riding.co.uk.
Articles
The NPS Welfare & Education web pages feature a number of articles on topical health issues. These articles are available to download. If members have topics they would like featured or researched for the website please do contact the office.
Education
Education is another area in which the NPS intends to focus on its charitable aim and with this in mind greater training opportunities are being developed for 2008 and beyond. It is hoped to include a fun but educational training programme for our younger members.
What next
All members are invited to contact us with suggestions for projects, concerns and topics that they feel the Welfare and Education Committee should be addressing.
On a final note would all show organisers and competitors please read the welfare recommendations in the NPS Rules Book as additions and amendments have been made for 2008.
DEFRA Website