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HEALTH AND WE L FARE
RESULTS FROM THE MAY 2011 NEHS SURVEY OF
4,603 HORSES AND PONIES
●
Skin diseases
such as sweet itch and
parasites were the most prevalent
syndromes recorded by equine owners
(affecting 14.3% of horses), overtaking
lameness, which topped the list in
November 2010. This suggests there is
a need to gather more data and raise
awareness of skin disease management
and prevention.
●
Lameness
was the next most prevalent
syndrome reported (11.8%). Although
foot lameness is generally perceived to
be the most prevalent cause within the
veterinary and equine industry, it was
recorded less frequently in this survey
(4.3%) than lameness due to problems
elsewhere in the limb (7.4%).
●
Laminitis
was again reported in
approximately 3% of horses and ponies
- significantly less than previous reports
in the veterinary literature, suggesting
that earlier surveys may have
over-estimated the prevalence of this
highly important welfare problem.
●
Weight issues
were in line with the
last survey, with between 8 and 10%
horses and ponies recorded as being
overweight. This is at odds with data
from other sources indicating that the
majority of horses and ponies are
overweight, possibly due to owners
underestimating fat (condition) score
or the populations surveyed not being
representative of the general equid
population. The NEHS data suggest
that continued efforts are required
to educate owners about the
‘right weight’ message.
●
Respiratory diseases
were recorded
in 6% of horses and ponies. Allergic
respiratory disease (3.2%) was more
prevalent than infectious respiratory
disease (0.6%), supporting the
perceptions in veterinary literature that
allergic diseases like Recurrent Airway
Obstruction remain the most important
in the UK.
840 donkeys and mules were also
registered in the survey, showing some
differences in the prevalence of laminitis
and Equine Metabolic Syndrome compared
with horses and ponies. It is hoped that
numbers of these animals will continue to
increase in future surveys to allow more
detailed comparisons to be made.
SPRING 2012 ISSUE
Calling for wider support
Please keep an eye on the Blue Cross
website for the next census week.
All keepers and owners of horses
are urged to participate and details
of all horse owners will remain
anonymous. It’s very quick and easy
to complete and should only take
around five minutes. To register
online visit;
www.bluecross.org.uk/NEHS
or email NEHS@bluecross.org.uk
About
The Blue Cross
The Blue Cross
is one of
Britain’s leading animal welfare
charities, providing practical
support, information and advice
for pet and horse owners.
With two equine rehoming centres in
Oxfordshire and Staffordshire, Every year
the charity takes in and finds new homes
for over a hundred horses and ponies of
all abilities, shapes and sizes.
Rather than providing permanent
sanctuary to a few horses, The Blue
Cross’s goal is to help as many animals
as possible by giving them a second
chance in a worthwhile, fulfilling new
home. Every rehomed horse is routinely
visited twice a year and friendly centre
staff and experienced field officers are
always on call to offer advice if needed.
In addition, The Blue Cross cares for
thousands of sick and homeless dogs,
cats and small pets every year at its
rehoming centres and hospitals
nationwide, providing veterinary care
for the pets of people who cannot afford
private vets' fees. The charity does not
receive any government funding so it
relies on the generosity of the public
to continue its vital work.
For further information visit
www.bluecross.org.uk
EQUINE MATTERS
18
The 2011 NEHS surveys have already
produced some interesting insights into what
we might discover when data is collected
directly from owners as opposed to veterinary
records or insurance claims. For example,
although lameness was a prevalent syndrome
recorded in the NEHS surveys, the prevalence
of melanomas was a surprise and a problem
that warrants more attention. The surveys are
also providing valuable data on stereotypes
and diseases with significant welfare issues
such as headshaking.
But this is only a start; it’s very important that
in the long term the equine sector understands
the patterns of common disease, to direct
better prevention, treatment and education.
It is exciting to see a pattern forming from
survey to survey on the healthcare status of the
UK’s equine population. But much larger
coverage is needed to enable us to get a
clear steer on those equine health concerns
that may benefit from further research or
increased awareness, providing invaluable
information for the veterinary profession and
all those working to ensure animal welfare.
It is now time for action and for all sectors of
the horse industry to take part in the 2012
NEHS surveys. Veterinarians can play a key
role in this by encouraging their clients to get
involved - the more data we can collect, the
more useful the results will be to us all.