Equestrian enthusiasts urged to take part in Strangles Awareness Week

Home -> News -> New equestrian initiative promotes strangles awareness

Next week (14-20 May 2007) sees the launch of a new equestrian scheme, Strangles Awareness Week. An initiative by the equine health company, Intervet UK, the week is designed to give help and advice to horse riders and owners on the dangers of strangles.

Backed by the BHS (British Horse Society) and BEVA (British Equine Veterinary Association), the week’s aim, as stated by Emmeline Hannelly, BHS Welfare Executive, “is to highlight the clinical signs of the debilitating disease and to stress to horse and yard owners the necessity for effective bio-security measures needed in preventing and dealing with strangles.”

The week sees the release of a new strangles code STEPS (Strategy To Eradicate and Prevent Strangles). To help with the code, Intervet UK is running an online survey to get an idea of horse riders’ knowledge of the disease, and also to aid in the long term BHS strategy for strangles. You can find the survey along with some helpful advice on strangles at www.equine-strangles.co.uk. You can also phone the strangles information line on 01908 685685.

In partnership with the AHT (Animal Health Trust), the BHS has also launched a campaign to raise £250,000 for further research into the diagnosis, prevention and hopefully elimination of the disease.

Leading Event rider William Fox-Pitt has backed this idea, he says, "Strangles is one of the most debilitating diseases known and all of our horses are potentially susceptible to it. Veterinary advancement in this area is crucial and therefore we all need to support this initiative by the Animal Health Trust and British Horse Society". Donations can be made at www.strangles.org.

Additionally, contributions can be made by purchasing one of the BHS’s Strangles Appeal polo shirts. Made by Puffa, one of the leaders in equestrian and country clothing, the polo shirts will be available from July, priced at £30 with £2 from every sale going to the Strangles Appeal. These shirts can be purchased by ringing 01926 707762 or 01926 707714.

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