The National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) needs YOU to help gather vital information about the health of horses in the UK.
Research and education
Run by the Blue Cross, in partnership with the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), the survey offers horse owners the opportunity to give feedback about the health of their equines.
This vital information helps BEVAidentify trends and spot the main issuesaffecting horses, ponies and donkeys in the UK. The association can then define priorities for future research, training and education.
Increased participation
Now in its fifth year, participation in the survey increased three-fold last year, with data collected on more than 12,301 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.
The results revealed a rise of the highly fatal disease Atypical Myopathy, which is being closely monitored as a result. Lameness was identified as the most common syndrome and there was an increase in laminitis, with the number of overweight horses and ponies more than doubling since last year.
Crucial information
Gemma Taylor, education officer at Blue Cross said: “Over the past five years NEHS has become a crucial information resource for the equestrian industry. It is helping us to steer awareness, education and research with the sole purpose of safeguarding the future healthcare of our horses.
“By giving five minutes of your time to complete the survey you can help to make a lifetime of difference.”
To register to take part in the survey (18–24 May),visit the Blue Cross websiteor send them an email.