14 Apr 2020

Updated news on Taking mares to stud, Veterinary Callouts and Farrier visits

Thank you for this advice to the BEF and the British Horse Council who are working with the veterinary profession and Governments to find solutions to breeding challenges during lockdown. There is now some more detailed guidance of the procedures a vet can carry out on a risk assessed basis and this flowchart captures the detail https://www.beva.org.uk/Portals/0/Documents/ResourcesForVets/COVID-19/flowchart-covid-19-guidance.pdf?ver=2020-04-09-190415-583

Essentially if a vet risk assesses a situation (AI, vaccination and other non emergency scenarios) and believes it can be carried out safely within the Government guidelines, then it can go ahead. There are links to Youtube videos for guidance at the end of this post.

Government is keen that business keeps going where it is safe to do so and where it is in full compliance with GOV guidelines, where the people concerned are well and are not experiencing any symptoms of Covid 19. Please see here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19

In Wales the advice from the Welsh Government in response to our request for guidance on travelling mares to stud is that individuals should assess whether the journey they are making is essential or for essential work purposes. The two meter rule should apply at all times. For further advice please view the travelling for work link on the Welsh Government website.

During the COVID-19 pandemic you’re likely to have more telephone based consultations with your vet & farrier. The British Equine Veterinary Association and  the British Farriers & Blacksmiths Association  have provided a range of resources and guidance to help you prepare to answer some of the questions your vet or farrier may ask you for.

FARRIERY

From a Farriery aspect the BFBA advise below which horses and ponies a farrier should attend. Similar guidance should be adopted by all other equine paraprofessionals ie chiropractors, osteopaths, physiotherapists, masseurs and indeed all other attendees of the horse.

It is mutually agreed that farriery is considered essential work. Whilst being mindful of Farriers responsibilities as individuals whilst continuing to provide hoofcare services they must adhere to the strictest biosecurity measures and the government guidelines on social distancing. Unnecessary travel should be avoided and we ask that you consider each appointment according to the following system –

RED – Farrier Should Attend – crucial hoofcare – to not attend a regular hoofcare appointments would have serious detrimental effects, promote discomfort and cause pain. This includes care of foals.

AMBER – Farrier Should Consider Delaying Where Possible – advisory hoofcare – where the timing of regular hoofcare appointments is an important factor in maintaining soundness. Consideration must be given as to whether the timescale between appointments can be extended without the equine becoming a ‘red’

GREEN – Farrier Should Not Attend – non crucial hoofcare – these include equines whose hoofcare cycles can be easily extended without any long-term detrimental affects

Practical advice for Farriers whilst at the appointment:

  • Call ahead to verify that no-one present is ill or has been in contact with anyone who is ill.
  • No more than one owner or carer should be in attendance at appointments and should tie the horse up and then immediately move away to a safe distance to allow you to work

These BEVA youtube videos will guide you through these difficult and dangerous times

https://youtu.be/YbyeE8tGVoA         How to help your Vet during Covid 19

https://youtu.be/swzQSAPTXwk       How to take your horse’s temperature

https://youtu.be/DibrQrfzMi4          How to measure breathing

https://youtu.be/fbh9u0wIjlw         How to check your horses gums

https://youtu.be/imFr6xUDA1k      How to take your horse’s pulse

https://youtu.be/ish1XwRMXwQ   Laminitis during Covid 19

https://youtu.be/oYeNDTVFA2k    Eyes & breathing problems during Covid 19

https://youtu.be/_hWvLbLjd4k      Colic during Covid 19

https://youtu.be/_5oWcw0CPpk    Wounds & lameness during Covid 19

 

 

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