A group of veterinary professionals, educators and researchers from leading institutions across Ireland have combined to launch a new initiative with the aim of improving equine welfare in the country.
The Equine Collaboration for Health and Outreach (ECHO) has been created to provide support and education and promote sustainable equine health through education, outreach and practical support.
It is hoped that ECHO will enable individuals and organisations from leading institutions such as The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise Campus, the Irish Equine Centre, Teagasc, University of Limerick and University College Dublin (School of Veterinary Medicine) to more easily collaborate and effectively tackle a number of emerging challenges within the equine sector.
As well as supporting sector-wide collaboration, aims of ECHO include promoting informed practices by encouraging evidence-based, thoughtful approaches to issues such as parasite management and reducing antibiotic use, and providing practical local solutions which are easy to apply and lead to meaningful improvements.
Inaugural event
ECHO will host its first event, ‘Foundations of Equine Health – Farm Smart in the Breeding Environment’, on Friday 12 September at the Irish National Stud in Kildare. The event will feature expert speakers, hands-on demonstrations and cover risk management strategies.
There will be three workshops for participants to attend which all focus on optimising management practices to support healthy horses.
“This event is about translating knowledge into action,” said Wendy Conlon, equine specialist with the agriculture and food development authority, Teagasc, one of the group’s coordinators.
“We want attendees to leave with clear, practical steps they can take to improve equine health and welfare in their own settings.”
For more information or to book tickets to attend the event click here.
Image © Shutterstock.
