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BHA announce seventh case of morphine
racehorse
BHA have received analysis reporting the findings and the trainers involved have been informed.

Two further post-race samples found to contain morphine, bringing total to seven

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has been notified that two further post-race samples, obtained from recent race meetings, have been found to  contain morphine - a prohibited substance on raceday.

The two horses are under the care of two separate trainers. BHA have received analysis reporting the findings and the trainers involved have been informed.

BHA say that they will not make public any information regarding the identity of the horses, trainers or owners until all necessary processes are completed. This includes counteranalysis of respective "B" samples requested by those connected with the horses, and the BHA's own investigations.

In total, seven horses under the care of various trainers have now been reported to show the presence of the drug in their "A" samples.

The BHA have not ruled out the reporting of further positive detections from post-race samples obtained in recent weeks. The authority are continuing to investigate any link between the individual cases and are working closely with the British Equine Trade Association, the National Trainers Federation and the trainers of the horses in question.

Once all processes have been completed, the cases will be put before a disciplinary panel who will consider the matters before deciding what action, if any, should be taken. This may include the disqualification of the horses in question from the relevant races. 

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 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.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.