Blue Cross runs the National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) in partnership with the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA). It is a unique opportunity for horse owners to give feedback about the health of their horses, ponies and donkeys so that the most common diseases and problems can be identified, prioritised and addressed. It's one of the UK's most important endemic disease monitoring initiatives and the results are referenced in leading veterinary and equestrian publications and papers.
Blue Cross are proud to champion the NEHS survey. We take, on average, 300 horses into our charity's care every year, many of whom need dedicated rehabilitation programmes. By gaining greater knowledge of the health of the nation's horses, ponies and donkeys we can all get a better understanding of how to help our equine friends and keep them happy and healthy — something which is at the core of Blue Cross’ ethos.
Record returns
Last year survey records were returned for almost 16 751 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, with 5635 people taking part, showing an increase of 14% on the previous year. We are determined to achieve an even bigger response this year. In terms of participant details most horses were kept in livery or a private yard and used for leisure and hacking, 62% of horses were healthy (i.e. had no health problems recorded) and 38% of horses had one or more health problems recorded.
One in three lame
Lameness has been consistently seen as the most common syndrome affecting horses in the NEHS results year on year. Last year 32.9% horses with health problems (24.4% in 2015) were recorded as lame. Overall, as in previous years, lameness in the limb was more common than lameness caused by problems in the foot.
Josh Slater from the Royal Veterinary College, who is a member of BEVA's Health & Medicines Committee and analysed the NEHS data, said: ‘The data gleaned from the Survey remains consistent year on year, confirming the reliability of our findings for benchmarking, referencing and research. This year's increase in overall lameness may be in part attributed to the higher incidence of pus in the foot but may also be because owners are becoming more aware of lameness issues. Ongoing research on lameness has generated significant media coverage over the past year, helping to raise understanding of the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment both from welfare and performance perspectives'.
Top six disease syndromes
The six most notable disease syndromes identified in the 2016 National Equine Health Survey of horses recorded as suffering from health problems were:
- Lameness 32.9%
- Skin diseases (sweet itch, mud fever, rainscald, external parasites, skin tumours and wounds) 25.5%
- Laminitis 6.8%
- PPID (‘Equine Cushing's Disease) 6.6%.
- Recurrent Airway Obstruction 5.6%
- Back problems 5.5%.
How to take part
The survey runs from 22–29th May 2017. It takes 5 minutes to complete and all details remain anonymous. Visit www.bluecross.org.uk/NEHS or email NEHS@bluecross.org.uk to register.
Win
Participants will be entered into a draw to win some amazing prizes such as a pair of Lister Star Clippers and a pair of Burford Ariat Wellington Boots.
Spread the word
You can also help to spread the word via twitter @bluecrossedu or join our Facebook events page and invite others at https://www.facebook.com/events/399709143522970/