Veterinary
TBA Veterinary Committee
The TBA Veterinary Committee’s mission statement is to be responsible for all issues affecting the health and wellbeing of the British Thoroughbred, specifically with regard to equine reproductive and general stud medicine, equine disease monitoring, prevention and treatment measures and advancements in veterinary research. The Committee, via its adviser, also provides veterinary advice and guidance to TBA members. In order to carry out this function the Committee ensures it is represented on, and consults with, other racing industry and equine bodies, Thoroughbred breeding authorities overseas, relevant national Government and EU departments, with regard to equine reproductive and general stud medicine, equine disease monitoring, prevention and treatment measures, and advancements in veterinary research. The Committee is chaired by Richard Lancaster and meets on a quarterly basis.
In 2009 the Committee addressed the import restrictions placed on British breeding stock by the Indian Government and provided technical briefing papers to the Indian authorities to provide assurances on the CEM status of British TB breeding stock. This led to a reduction in the length of the restriction to 20 months from the confirmed clearance of a CEM case in Great Britain. However, as a result of a further CEM positive isolated case in a non-TB in October 2009 it was not possible to trade with the Indian breeders at Tattersalls Breeding Stock sales. Working with the Political Lobbying Committee the issue has been raised at political and industry meetings at the highest levels, both here, in Europe and in India. Further work will be undertaken in 2010 to reduce or remove the restriction placed on TB horses.
The Committee also reviewed the two on-going Levy Board/TBA jointly funded veterinary research projects: Development of a diagnostic immunoassay for larval cyathostominosis and Ability of exogenous LH to promote the development of ovulation competent follicles during the transitional period in mares. Both are due to be completed imminently and outcomes published in 2010.
Routine liaison with DEFRA during 2009 included the production of submissions to the Equine Exotic Diseases Joint Industry/Government Group, the Cost and Responsibility Sharing consultation and the review of the Tripartite Agreement.
Looking forward to 2010 the Veterinary Committee will represent breeders’ interests in the BHA Review of Doping and Medication Procedures and the publication of the Equine Genomes Research Project findings.
The TBA Veterinary Advisor, Richard Greenwood, continues to provide veterinary advice and guidance to our members.
Codes of Practice on Equine Diseases
Each year, the HBLB updates and publishes Codes of Practice on:
- Venereally transmitted bacterial diseases caused by the contagious equine metritis organism CEMO, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
- Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA)
- Equine Herpevirus (EHV)
In addition, the Codes of Practice include guidelines on Streptoccocus equi (Strangles)
The Codes of Practice set out minimum recommendations for the prevention of these diseases and for their control, should they occur. A copy of the Codes of Practice is sent to all TBA members in November of each year.
To support the Code of Practice on venereally transmitted bacterial diseases, the HBLB approves laboratories for the purposes of testing for the CEMO, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa. Please see below for a list of approved laboratories in Ireland or France.
The HBLB’s Veterinary Newsletter reports on the results of HBLB-funded research projects and education awards and also includes articles on newly funded projects and important developments in areas relevant to the HBLB’s veterinary interests, such as equine infectious diseases. The Newsletter is primarily aimed at racehorse owners, trainers and breeders, as well as veterinary surgeons, and focuses on the practical implications of funded research.
The Vet Newsletter 2009 was sent to TBA members in February 2010 and includes reports on research into genetics, respiratory disease and musculoskeletal injury, as well as interviews with HBLB Clinical and Research Scholars and updates on equine infectious diseases.
For a pdf version follow this link:
www.hblb.org.uk
Veterinary Research Funding
One of the key objectives of the TBA is to oversee the health and welfare requirements of the Thoroughbred horse, with particular attention to veterinary science in areas such as the improvement in practices associated with the breeding and rearing of Thoroughbred horses.
Downloadable documents
- NSFA 2010 Breeding Regulations [123.04KB] - downloaded: (259)
- Freedom From Infection certificate 2010 [103.71KB] - downloaded: (244)
- Approved Lab List UK 2010 [109.81KB] - downloaded: (128)
- Approved Lab List France 2010 [45.36KB] - downloaded: (105)
- Approved Lab List Ireland 2010 (Government) [110.75KB] - downloaded: (97)
- Boarding Stud Agreement 2010 [117.01KB] - downloaded: (240)
- Details of Mare form 2010 [88.53KB] - downloaded: (161)
Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) (Jan 2010)
Mare owners in Britain have been advised that they do not need to take any extra precautionary measures, following the recent case of EIA – for the full report please read the enclosed press release.
EHV Screening Subsidy Requirements
While EHV is not notifiable by law, the TBA encourages breeders to notify Stanstead House of all cases of an equine abortion or neonatal foal death that have taken place where EHV infection is suspected.
HBLB 2010 Codes of Practice Published
HBLB publishes 2010 Codes of Practice for prevention and control
of equine infectious diseases
EQUINE PIROPLASMOSIS - Press Release from the Irish Department Of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food
On 8th September 2009 the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food confirmed the occurrence of Equine Piroplasmosis in a number of thoroughbred horses in an equine facility in County Meath.
EQUINE GRASS SICKNESS Surveillance Scheme
The Animal Health Trust is coordinating the first nationwide surveillance scheme for the predominantly fatal disease equine grass sickness. This surveillance scheme will identify premises suitable for the proposed vaccine against Clostridium botulinum which it is hoped will markedly reduce the incidence of the disease. If you have experienced any cases of grass sickness from the year 2000 to present, please contact Claire Wylie at the Animal Health Trust.
Monday 23rd June 2008 - EMERGING EQUINE DISEASES SEMINAR
This seminar, organised jointly by the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and The Horse Trust was convened to bring to the attention of the equine industry the possible threat of two specific ‘exotic’ diseases.