Experts plan annual equine disease survey (09/10/2009)

A new annual survey should shed light on non-infectious diseases affecting horses in the UK.

A two-year pilot scheme assessing non-infectious diseases in British horses has proved so successful that experts plan to make it a regular annual endeavour.

Researchers at the Blue Cross analysed data on diseases affecting horses in UK rescue centres over the past two years, such as colic and lameness.

Professor Josh Slater, head of the Equine Health and Welfare Strategy (EHWS), told Horse and Hound magazine that the survey is "one of the most exciting projects around".

"If you don't know how frequently the average horse is lame or what the incidence of colic is, you can't decide a normal level of welfare," he pointed out.

The professor explained that existing surveillance schemes focus on exotic equine diseases, such as West Nile Virus and African Horse Sickness, or infections such as strangles.

"This leaves a gap in our knowledge," he added.

It is hoped that riding clubs, yards and agricultural colleges will get involved, using a proposed new website to record details on their horses' illnesses.

The EHWS was developed by the equine industry in conjunction with the government and has a ten-year vision to improve standards of health and welfare among Britain's horses.