Summer issue of UK-Vet Equine

In this summer issue of UK-Vet Equine, veterinary surgeon and Founder of Barr Equine Veterinary Practice Elizabeth Barr discusses some common surgical conditions of the equine hoof, with a particular look at the practical considerations to keep in mind when operating on this unique anatomical site.

The Horserace Betting Levy Board codes of practice, set up in 1977, have been updated this year. Initially introduced in response to an outbreak of contagious equine metritis, the codes of practice have expanded to cover a range of diseases affecting equines. Associate Partner of Newmarket Equine Hospital Denis Coman discusses the changes to the code that have been introduced this year, which include clarification of the control of contagious equine metritis, revised guidelines for the management of strangles outbreaks, new guidelines on piroplasmosis, updated vaccination information focusing on the frequency with which equine influenza vaccine boosters are needed, and clarification regarding the diagnosis of West Nile fever; now considered a risk to the UK as the geographical distribution of the disease seems to be spreading and mosquitos capable of spreading the virus are becoming present in the UK.