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Defra announce bute test results
Presence of bute confirmed in some horse samples

The latest phenylbutazone (bute) test results have been announced by Defra. Minister David Heath has confirmed the presence of the painkiller in 8 of the 206 samples tested.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) checked the carcasses of 206 horses that were slaughtered in the UK between 30 January and 7 February 2013. Of the 8 that tested positive for bute, the Agency says 6 were sent to France and may have entered the food chain. Government chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies has stated that the horse meat containing bute poses very little risk to human health.

In a joint statement, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) noted: "The presence of phenylbutazone (or bute) in horses intended for the food chain will be of concern to consumers.

"We are grateful to the Chief Medical Officer for clarifying the very low level of risk that this presents to human health and we will work with the FSA and Defra in any way we can to assist their investigations into these incidents."

The statement continued to speak of the importance of phenylbutazone in equine welfare, as it is "unique" in providing "affordable, long-term pain relief for horses." Commenting on the Horse Passport Regulations, the BVA and BEVA expressed their intentions to continue a dialogue with Defra and others to improve the system.

"We fully support the concept of the Horse Passport Regulations but have argued for some time that there are problems with the system in terms of the number of Passport Issuing Authorities and the vulnerability of the system to fraud."

The FSA introduced 100 per cent testing of horse carcasses on 30 January. Horses testing positive for bute will not be permitted to leave the slaughterhouse and enter the food chain. The agency says recent test results are in line with extra surveillance carried out last year, which found bute in 6 per cent of horses slaughtered. 

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Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.