Prof Pablo Murcia talks to Dr David Marlin about his recent paper about horses being infected with H5N1 – avian flu – in Asia, and that infections have been occurring in horses undetected.

In this conversation, Professor Pablo Murcia discusses his recent research on bird flu in horses, emphasizing the importance of understanding avian influenza and its potential impact on equine health. He explains the mechanisms of infection, the risks for horse owners, and the evolving nature of viruses. The discussion also highlights the need for global surveillance and the role of vaccination in controlling infectious diseases.

• The study of bird flu in horses is crucial for understanding emerging infectious diseases.
• Horses can be exposed to avian influenza viruses, but the health implications are still unclear.
• Serology is an important tool for detecting past infections in horses.
• The mechanisms of infection in horses are still largely speculative.
• High contact rates between horses and infected birds increase the risk of transmission.
• Vaccination is essential for preventing outbreaks of equine influenza.
• The global spread of avian influenza is a dynamic situation that requires constant monitoring.
• Research collaboration is key to understanding and controlling infectious diseases.
• Public health messaging must be based on scientific evidence to combat misinformation.
• Preparedness is vital in managing potential outbreaks of diseases like bird flu.

----

To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.com

Not a Member? Join for as little as £6 a month or £8 on a month-by-month basis to access all the test results and have a say in what we test and investigate next. For this, you also get access to all past and future webinars, videos, podcasts, and articles, the opportunity to take part in testing and research and SOOOO much more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Welfare and Performance Mutually Exclusive in Equestrian Sport?

This week, we’re bringing you something significant - a recorded presentation by Dr. David Marlin from March 2023, all about SLO—Social Licence to Operate.

This presentation predates some of the major welfare controversies that have recently hit the headlines: the military horses galloping through London, the Blue Tongue outcry, and the shockwaves caused by a dressage rider’s training video.

David has been at the forefront of the SLO conversation for years, and we believe now is the perfect time to revisit this critical topic. His presentation reminds us what’s truly at stake—the trust and acceptance that allow us to keep enjoying our horses, our sports, and our industry. If we don’t take Social Licence seriously, we risk losing it all—for our hobby, our profession, and for the horses we care about so deeply.

David’s presentation is titled - Are Welfare and Performance Mutually Exclusive in Equestrian Sport?

You can watch the full presentation on YouTube or on the AskAnimalweb.com website, but for now, enjoy this powerful audio recording. Feel free to comment on our social platforms or email us. Thank you for tuning in!

----

To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.com

Not a Member? Join for as little as £6 a month or £8 on a month-by-month basis to access all the test results and have a say in what we test and investigate next. For this, you also get access to all past and future webinars, videos, podcasts, and articles, the opportunity to take part in testing and research and SOOOO much more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Candid Conversation with Dressage Legend Emile Faurie

Join us as we sit down with the legendary Emile Faurie, a stalwart in the world of dressage, for an open and honest interview. Emile shares his incredible journey, including his recent challenges with cancer, from which he is now in remission. 

In this heartfelt conversation, Emile discusses:  

- His training philosophy and approach with riders and horses, including updates on Tom Goode and their progress.  

- The challenges facing the equestrian industry today, why he believes the sport is "in real trouble," and how we can come together to support each other and the future of equestrianism.  

- His definition of equine welfare, which he sees as rooted in respect for the horse, and what that truly means to him.  

- The myth of money being the ultimate barrier to success in the equestrian world, and what really makes the difference.  

- Practical suggestions to better support dressage stewards and riders during competitions.  

- The importance of truly understanding and knowing your horse to provide them with the best care and opportunities to thrive.

We’re thrilled to announce that Emile has joined the Animalweb team as an expert, bringing his wealth of knowledge and passion to help riders and the wider equestrian community.

Tune in for this inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with one of dressage’s most influential figures!

Emile is also offering an exciting training opportunity for our members - so log onto the website to learn more and take up the offer!

emilefaurie.com

 -----------------------------------------

To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.com

Not a Member? Join for as little as £6 a month or £8 on a month-by-month basis to access all the test results and have a say in what we test and investigate next. For this, you also get access to all past and future webinars, videos, podcasts, and articles, the opportunity to take part in testing and research and SOOOO much more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into animal genetics with Dr. Victoria Lindsay-McGee, the newest expert on Animalweb.

Dr. Lindsay-McGee introduces the fundamentals of animal genetics, including:

• complex disease genetics
• genetic selection
• the impact of breeding practices.

She discusses the importance of genetic counselling for animals, as well as the challenges of managing genetic diversity and cultural attitudes towards breeding.

We also explore why Dr. Lindsay-McGee and her team are launching a new study on equestrian community views of equine genetics. Learn how you can participate in this survey to help shape the future of genetics research, ensuring industry priorities align with advancing horse welfare.

Why participate in the latest genetic study?

• Help shape the future of equine genetics research
• Ensure industry priorities are reflected in upcoming studies
• Support scientific advancements that benefit horse welfare

The study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies Human Ethical Review Committee (URN: HERC_24_083).

To take part in the survey and have your voice heard, follow the link: 2024 Horse Genetics Survey – UK and Europe.

READ about the study here - Equine Genetics Study

 -----------------------------------------

To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.com

Not a Member? Join for as little as £6 a month or £8 on a month-by-month basis to access all the test results and have a say in what we test and investigate next. For this, you also get access to all past and future webinars, videos, podcasts, and articles, the opportunity to take part in testing and research and SOOOO much more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dr. David Marlin sits down with Vickie Dennis and Ruth Schofield, the minds behind the Equiseat Aid. They dive into the inspiration for creating the Equiseat, a product designed to enhance symmetry, engage the rider's seatbones, and improve rider positioning.

David, Vickie, and Ruth discuss the Equiseat Aid's functionality and its benefits for a range of riders. They also explain why they partnered with Animalweb to put the product to the test through scientific research. David shares insights from a preliminary study conducted at ARU Writtle College with Dr. Roberta Blake, highlighting the initial positive results and the plan for an upcoming larger-scale trial with live horses.

Interested in learning more? Visit www.equiseataid.com. Plus, Animalweb members will soon have the chance to test this innovative product, so keep an eye out on AskAnimalweb.com if you’re interested in being part of the trial!

 -----------------------------------------

To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.com

Not a Member? Join for as little as £6 a month or £8 on a month-by-month basis to access all the test results and have a say in what we test and investigate next. For this, you also get access to all past and future webinars, videos, podcasts, and articles, the opportunity to take part in testing and research and SOOOO much more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A quick podcast from Dr David Marlin about all the topics you'll be thinking about and worrying about this autumn.

Here are a few links to the topics David mentions in the podcast:

• Fireworks - https://askanimalweb.com/?s=fireworks
• Mudfever - https://askanimalweb.com/webinar-the-skin-of-the-lower-legs-from-mud-fever-to-mites-dr-kieran-obrien/
• Increased feeding/bedding - https://askanimalweb.com/?s=bedding
• Autumn Colic - https://askanimalweb.com/winter-and-spring-colic/
• Rugging - https://askanimalweb.com/?s=rugging
• Autumn Laminitis - https://askanimalweb.com/autumn-laminitis-what-are-the-risks/
• Probiotics - https://askanimalweb.com/probiotics-prebiotics-and-synbiotics-by-dr-david-marlin/
• Linseed - https://askanimalweb.com/linseed-flaxseed-as-a-feed-material-for-horses/
• Sycamore Seeds, Seasonal Myopathy - https://askanimalweb.com/atypical-myopathy-seasonal-pasture-myopathy-and-acorn-poisoning-warning-for-the-autumn/

 -----------------------------------------

To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.com

Not a Member? Join for as little as £6 a month or £8 on a month-by-month basis to access all the test results and have a say in what we test and investigate next. For this, you also get access to all past and future webinars, videos, podcasts, and articles, the opportunity to take part in testing and research and SOOOO much more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr David Marlin took the opportunity to catch up with his old friend and colleague, farrier Ben Benson, at the annual Acpat seminar at Leamington Spa in October 2024.

Ben Benson AWCF Farrier presented at the conference 'The Farrier's role in influencing equine posture and injury prevention'.

They discuss the role of the farrier and how they can work with other professionals to determine the best course of action for any horse - given their unique perspective. How can a horse owner/rider get all these experts working together.

Why is the farrier industry in decline, and what are the problems, causes and concerns for the industry? And what are the price differences between shoeing a horse in the UK and abroad? Farriers are being forced to shoe high numbers in the UK, and this is having a detrimental effect on their bodies, and they are struggling to make ends meet. 

They even discuss barefoot and why this topic is so divisive, and really it should be about welfare and what is best for the horse at that point in their life given; breed, age, condition, care, sport and whether it actually benefits them or not!

You'll be able to watch the interview video here on Animalweb or listen to the podcast.

 -----------------------------------------

To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.com

Not a Member? Join for as little as £6 a month or £8 on a month-by-month basis to access all the test results and have a say in what we test and investigate next. For this, you also get access to all past and future webinars, videos, podcasts, and articles, the opportunity to take part in testing and research and SOOOO much more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TWO Animalweb experts, Adi Devonish and Nicola Bell, come together to discuss the trials and issues with running livery yards and what yard owners and their liveries need to be talking about, planning for and discussing.

The conversation includes:

• Cost of having a horse on livery
• The vital role grooms and yard staff provide
• How yard owners and their liveries interact and communicate
• Dealing with welfare issues
• What support and training do our livery yard owners and their staff need
• What do we need to do to ensure our industry is here to stay, and how can we improve it for all
• How to handle conflict or when to raise concerns if you have an issue

Find out more about Adi and Nicola on the website. You can also read their recent articles - https://askanimalweb.com/the-team/

-----------------------------------------

To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.com

Not a Member? Join for as little as £6 a month or £8 on a month-by-month basis to access all the test results and have a say in what we test and investigate next. For this, you also get access to all past and future webinars, videos, podcasts, and articles, the opportunity to take part in testing and research and SOOOO much more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr David Marlin discusses Blue Tongue

• What do we know?
• What do we THINK we know?
• What do we NEED to know?

Why have we only been seeing images fairly recently?

What can we learn from the photos we have seen? And why photos can't tell us everything we need.

David also discusses a small pilot survey about Blue Tongue and what could be causing it.

-----------------------------------------

To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.com

Not a Member? Join for as little as £6 a month or £8 on a month-by-month basis to access all the test results and have a say in what we test and investigate next. For this, you also get access to all past and future webinars, videos, podcasts, and articles, the opportunity to take part in testing and research and SOOOO much more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr David Marlin discusses the different beddings the Animalweb team tested from the first round to this second round. There are a wide variety of types from all the different manufacturers.

David discusses all the different tests that have taken place; dust, hygienic quality, absorbency and marketing claims.

Do you use any of these bedding products?

• Bedmax Littlemax & Strawmax
• Caviera Cavianthus & Raviera
• Champion Chip
• Easibed
• Ethos Original
• Probale Probed
• Sorbeo Horse
• Sundown Sun-e-bed
• Swish Original
• OR any of these?
• Aubiose
• Blue Frog
• Bedkind
• Bedmax
• Concord
• Hunter
• Megaspread
• Megazorb
• Natural Flake
• Platium Plus
• Snowflake
• Wooburn

Want to know which is the lowest for DUST, most HYGIENIC, most ABSORBANT and best value for money?

See Here:

• The latest (the second) round of bedding test results here > https://askanimalweb.com/horse-bedding-tested-round-two-sept-24/
• The first round of Bedding Tests here > https://askanimalweb.com/horse-bedding-tested-the-results/

ALL OF OUR TESTING IS TO HELP YOU MAKE INFORMED BUYING DECISIONS!

-----------------------------------------

Not a Member? Join for as little as £6 a month or £8 on a month-by-month basis to access all the test results and have a say in what we test and investigate next. For this, you also get access to all past and future webinars, videos, podcasts, and articles, the opportunity to take part in testing and research and SOOOO much more.

To find out more about becoming a member >>> AskAnimalweb.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.