Veterinary
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.
Update on Strangles Guidelines within the Codes of Practice (09.05.12.)
EFTBA Veterinary Newsletter Number 5
Veterinary Research
In 2010 the TBA contributed £133K in support of veterinary research, which included the Animal Health Trust’s Equine Infectious Disease Diagnosis and Surveillance Department programme. The TBA was also active in lobbying the EU, to introduce a series of measures aimed at ensuring stronger veterinary health requirements, to prevent the spread of Equine Infectious Anaemia through Europe from infected horses originating from Romania, as well as monitoring and responding to a number of DEFRA consultations throughout the year.
2010 saw the culmination of the Animal Health Trust’s five year research project into the Equine Genome Programme. The TBA contributed a total of £375,000 towards this research and remains committed to ensuring that Breeders’ interests are properly protected. Our veterinary advisers have concluded that, in spite of the large financial outlay, considerably more research is required before Thoroughbred breeders may enjoy the benefits of this research in the form of validated genetic tests.
Two TBA/Levy Board approved co-funded Veterinary Research Projects continued last year. A positive outcome was recorded by Professor Jacqui Matthews, of the University of Glasgow, who has established that specific proteins can be identified in the blood of horses that are parasitized with small strongyle worms.
The 2010 funding surplus has also enabled the TBA Board to make a further commitment to veterinary research funding and, again partnering the Levy Board, the TBA have committed a further £30,000 per annum for three years, to fund a Research Scholarship post into Stud Medicine. This investment is very much in its infancy and it is our intention to report progress over the coming months.
EHV Screening Subsidy Requirements
The TBA recognises the vital importance of screening for the presence of EHV-1 at recognised laboratories. 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. This is in order to monitor any disease outbreaks, to act to prevent further spread of the disease by facilitating communication between relevant bodies and to provide any necessary information, advice and guidance to TBA members.
A £100 subsidy towards the cost of screening is available to members who meet these conditions.
HBLB Codes of Practice and Approved Laboratory Lists
There has been a recent update to the list of Approved Laboratories, please follow these links -
http://codes.hblb.org.uk/index.php/page/139 and http://codes.hblb.org.uk/index.php/page/156