Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Racing and veterinary focus for National Equine Forum
This year's programme to focus on racing and veterinary science

The 2013 National Equine Forum, set for 5th March, is to appeal to a wider spectrum of the equestrian industry this year. It has been announced that a range of thought-provoking and topical presentations will come from leading names in the racing and veterinary science sectors.

Richard Lancaster, Chairman of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and Dr Richard Newton, head of epidemiology and disease surveillance at the Animal Health Trust, will discuss the ways in which the equestrian industry and government are working together on the control of equine infectious diseases. The Rt Hon Owen Paterson MP, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural affairs, will also be on hand to provide DEFRA's current views on the equestrian industry.

Another interesting topic to be discussed is the recent pre-purchase examination changes. Malcolm Morley, chair of the equine pre-purchase examination committee will go through what these changes mean for the horse owner.

Mark Hillyer, of the Newmarket Equine Hospital is set to share his extensive knowledge with delegates on current colic treatments and their success rates, and Professor Pat Harris who leads the WALTHAM Equine Studies Group, will look in detail at the effects of grass in horse husbandry.

On matters racing, Pieter Brama, professor of veterinary surgery at the University College Dublin is to present a stimulating paper on whether horses are ready to race at two years old.

The National Equine Forum is unique in the UK, bringing together all sectors of the equestrian industry to debate that latest equestrian news, views and research. Further information and a copy of the programme can be found on the BEF website.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.