We are delighted to announce that for the next three years, we will be supporting the Animal Health Trust, a veterinary and scientific research charity which undertakes vital work to improve the welfare of horses, dogs and cats.
Here at Feedmark, we are very excited to support the AHT through various means such as charitable donations and being the lead sponsors of the AHT UK Equestrian Awards which take place next month. Watch this space to discover how we are fundraising for this very worthy cause!
The Animal Health Trust (AHT) was established over 75 years ago and is the leading veterinary and scientific research charity dedicated to the health and welfare of horses, dogs and cats.
The AHT receives no government funding and relies on generous donations from individuals and companies to do its vital work. Thanks to its pioneering work, companion animals are living healthier, happier lives – in the UK and across the world.
There are four key strands to the AHT’s work:
- Veterinary referrals
- Scientific research
- Disease prevention
- Education and training
From its equine referral clinic to its research work, the AHT is passionate about helping horses. Some examples of current research projects include:
- Strangles is a plague of the horse world. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed infectious disease of horses worldwide with more than 600 outbreaks in the UK each year. It’s called Strangles because, in severe cases, swelling of the lymph nodes in the head and neck restrict the airway, effectively strangling the horse. The AHT is using its knowledge to develop a vaccine which will help protect horses.
- Equine Influenza (EI) is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. In order for horses to be best protected from infection, they need regular booster vaccinations. However the flu viruses change with time so this means vaccine strains need to be regularly updated. This is where the AHT comes in. The AHT is one of only four laboratories in the world researching equine flu. The AHT also provides diagnostic testing for flu and its vets and scientists provide support and guidance to vets and horse-owners concerned about the threat of EI.
- Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) is a major welfare concern for horses and foals. As a viral infection, EHV can cause respiratory disease, abortion or fatal illness in newborn foals and neurological disease in adult horses. The AHT is on a five-year programme of research to develop an effective vaccine for EHV.
To find out more about the work of the Animal Health Trust visit www.aht.org.uk
Registered charity No.209642