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
Annual survey provides insight into health issues
Owners reminded to take part in National Equine Health Survey

The National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) is now open for owners to take part in. The survey, which runs annually, is helping to provide information about common health issues in horses.

In previous years the data generated has been crucial in providing information on common diseases and issues including skin problems, lameness, weight issues and colic. The results of the survey are shared across the equine sector, to help establish benchmarks for health and disease across the UK.

The annual survey, which generates information directly from horse owners, will help to define priorities for future research, training and education. For example, the 15.2 per cent incidence of skin disease recorded to date indicates a need to raise awareness of management and prevention amongst the veterinary industry and owners.

Gemma Taylor, Blue Cross education officer said: "We are urging every horse owner to spare just five minutes every year to complete the survey so we can continue to build valuable knowledge to help improve the future health of our nation's horses."

The NEHS, which is run by the Blue Cross in partnership with the BEVA, became an annual fixture after it was first introduced in 2010. For more information or to register click here.

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.