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Horse owners urged to sign up for Colic Awareness Week
This year's Colic Awareness Week campaign is asking owners to 'React Now to Beat Colic'.

Organisations offer free emergency plan and daily webinars

The British Horse Society (BHS) and The University of Nottingham are asking all horse owners to make a pledge during Colic Awareness Week 2020, which runs from 5-11 October.

This year the BHS and The University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science are providing free daily 10-minute webinars, focusing on various colic-related subjects. They will also be sharing advice and guidance on social media, using the hashtag #ColicAwarenessWeek.

Additionally, horse owners can sign up to receive a free equine care and emergency plan, to help them recognise warning signs early on and understand what to do in an emergency before the situation arises.

Veterinary practices that are a part of the ‘Vet REACT Colic Champions scheme’ will also be sharing information with clients across the week - both in practice and on social media - to help raise awareness.

Dr Katie Lightfoot, teaching associate in equine welfare at The University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our collaboration with The British Horse Society to improve the health and welfare of the horse.

“The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science have continued our research into colic and emergency planning which underpins this educational campaign. Colic awareness week gives us a fantastic opportunity to share the evidence-based information as widely as possible within the horse community.”

To view the previous webinars and watch the remainder that will be hosted this week, please visit the BHS’ Facebook page.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.