Lapsed Vaccinations Risk Horses’ Lives Warns Blue Cross

Blue Cross Groom Grace Shayler inspects Lance Corporal Francois Raats and his charger Colossus of the Queens Life Guards during the Blue Cross National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) at Hyde Park Barracks, London. UK on May 2nd, 2013 New figures from leading pet charity Blue Cross have revealed that lapsed vaccinations in horses and ponies have become worryingly commonplace. Concerned that this is leaving animals vulnerable to debilitating and, in some cases, fatal diseases, the charity is calling on horse owners to take part in its National Equine Health Survey (NEHS), 5-11 May 2013, to help build an accurate picture of the trend. In 2012 65 per cent of the horses and ponies taken in by Blue Cross were either unvaccinated for influenza and tetanus or had lapsed vaccinations, which is an 11per cent increase from 2011. While the problem is common (82 per cent) in welfare cases, over half (54 per cent) of horses and ponies being signed over by their owners were also at risk. The situation has such implications on the welfare of the nation’s horses that it has prompted Blue Cross to add a question about vaccinations to NEHS, which opens on Sunday. The quick, easy and anonymous online snapshot survey records common health issues in horses, directly from horse owners themselves. Results help build a picture of the health and disease in the UK and define priorities for future research, training and education. Gemma Taylor, Blue Cross Education Officer, said: “Feedback suggests that some people genuinely don’t understand that vaccinations need to be done every year and if their vet doesn’t send them a reminder they completely forget. If the survey indicates that, in line with Blue Cross figures, lapsed vaccinations are widespread we hope that we will be able to raise awareness of the potential health risks and work with vets and other experts on a strategy to help turn around this worrying trend.” Blue Cross runs NEHS in partnership with the British Equine Veterinary Association and survey data is interpreted the Royal Veterinary College. Emily Pearson, an Equine Practice Vet at the Royal Veterinary College, explains: “Tetanus is a horrendous, often fatal, disease that can be contracted through even the smallest nick in the skin. It is preventable with a simple vaccination programme, which I therefore feel is a must for all horses, ponies and donkeys.” Gemma continues: “Our aim with NEHS is to reach a level of endemic disease surveillance not currently achieved in any European country, but we still have some way to go and need horse owners help us. We are appealing to every horse owner to spare just five minutes to complete the survey so we can continue to build valuable knowledge to help improve the future health of our nation’s horses.” All owners and keepers of horses are being urged to participate in the NEHS when it runs from 5 - 11 May. Supporters of the survey include the British Horse Society, British Riding Clubs, the Pony Club and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. Visit www.bluecross.org.uk/NEHS or email [email protected] to find out more and to register.

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