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EVJ releases virtual issue on owner behaviour and motivation
Image (C) British Equine Veterinary Association.
New collection considers impact on equine welfare.

The Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) has released a virtual collection on understanding owner behaviours and motivation, and the impact this has on equine welfare.

Guest-edited by David Rendle, the new president of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), and Tamzin Furtado, the collection consists of 20 articles, and is free to view for 12 weeks.

Created to address the information gap surrounding the way that human behaviour impacts the way equine veterinary science is implemented, the collection is made up of papers on equine stakeholder knowledge, attitudes and values.

David Rendle, guest editor and BEVA president, explained the motivations behind the new virtual issue: “Behavioural studies are important in understanding health-related behaviours and in identifying potential barriers to change.

“Failure to utilise behavioural science not only compromises the potential benefits of interventions but can result in overtly negative impacts on health.”

Studies in the collection focus on topics including owner knowledge and opinions on recognising colic, treating infectious disease, uptake of basic preventative health measures and attitudes and behaviour around equine obesity and laminitis.

The issue also covers the importance of professionals that are not veterinary surgeons, such as farriers, equine podiatrists, physiotherapists, dental technicians, chiropractors and equine organisations.

Guest editor Tamzin Furtado commented: “As our understanding of the drivers of behaviour develops, pre-existing behaviour change models will help us to understand the barriers and enablers to uptake.

“With dissemination of this knowledge, we have a better chance of communicating effectively and implementing change that will have a positive impact on equine welfare at individual, community, and national level.”

EVJ editor Professor Celia Marr discussed the virtual collection: “It is dangerous to assume an understanding of the motivators of horse owner behaviours and actions; these papers confirm the current lack of comprehension, providing an invaluable insight, which will ultimately help us to accelerate improvements in equine veterinary practice and, most importantly, equine welfare.”

Available to read here, the collection is free to view until 26 December 2022.

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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.