Introduction Endocrine dysfunction associated with obesity is a daily challenge in equine ambulatory practice and obesity-related laminitis poses a significant threat to equine welfare in Australia (Figure 1). A recent pony club survey in Victoria found that 15% of horses and ponies had suffered from at least one episode of […]
Hendra horse euthanased in NSW
A positive Hendra virus case involving a four-year-old Arab cross has occurred near Tweed Heads, NSW. The case was confirmed by a veterinarian who was wearing protective equipment at the time. The horse was not vaccinated against Hendra and was later euthanased. AVA spokesperson Ben Poole said it was critical […]
Australian Turf Club inquiry launched
Stewards from Racing NSW have opened an inquiry in to alleged animal cruelty by the Mounted Division of the Australian Turf Club (ATC). Allegations of mistreatment, illegal sedation and cruelty to horses surfaced in a Sydney Morning Herald report last month. Racing NSW began to act following a mid-January incident at the […]
Owner rejects horse deaths finding
The owner of 22 horses which died on a southeast Queensland property has questioned a finding that scrub ticks or botulism probably caused the deaths. Steve Hogno said tests of horse-hair samples sent to a US laboratory had turned up high levels of heavy metals including manganese and zinc, among […]