Equine vets and farriers join forces in Europe to promote best practice in farriery

The initiative is the result of recognition by both organisations that equine welfare is best served with the use of only properly trained farriers, working closely with veterinary surgeons as and when needed.
The main aims of the new partnership include:

• Improving the welfare of the horse by encouraging the highest standards of hoof trimming and shoeing by means of a certified farrier.
• Encouraging close working between farriers and veterinary surgeons on the therapeutic treatment of horses’ hooves.
• Encouraging the education of the horse owning public to make use of certified farriers who guarantee the art and science of farriery.

Receive discounts by registering for BEVA early

Registration for British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) congress is available with significant discounts for early bird registration. Register before August to take advantage of the discounts available.

BEVA congress is the largest equine veterinary event in the UK and BEVA 2012 boasts five in-depth science programmes spread over 12-15th September in Birmingham’s ICC centre.

For more details visit BEVA.

Badger cull to eradicate TB will trial in 2012

Veterinary Associations have approved a measure to pilot two badger culls in the UK. The culls will be carried out through controlled shooting and will be used to gauge effectiveness of curtailing bovine TB.

The culls will be carried out after the Olympics, and have already been met with considerable controversy throughout the country. Secretary of State Caroline Spelman commented: “I have not taken this decision lightly. At present there is no satisfactory alternative”

For more information visit DEFRA.

BEVA Congress 2011 starts tomorrow in Liverpool and we’re going to be there. If you see us, please do say hello!

The BEVA Congress runs from 7th – 10th and will be an excellent event both socially and clinically. If you’re going and take any pictures/have any comments after the event let us know and we’ll be happy to post them.

For more information on BEVA 2011 (though unfortunately it’s probably too late to book tickets now) click here.

Leading veterinarian Richard Saunders has joined the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund as the organisation’s chief veterinary advisor.

RWAF promotes better care for rabbits and hosts regular events to highlight issues that are commonly forgotten by owners. Vets can also receive free rabbit-based advice from Richard Saunders himself, as well as discounts and other services from the association.

For the full release by RWAF click here
To take a gander at RWAF’s site click here

A more accurate method of testing for Collie Eye Anomaly/Choroidal Hypoplasia has been been approved by the Kennel Club. The new test is offered by Optigen, with results from the test being directly sent to the Kennel Club.

The test will allow more detailed preventative measures. Owners who submit original test certificates will have a copy sent to them — the Kennel Club is recommending people update their records as soon as possible. Click here to read the full release.