International Associations

Resources for International Equine Associations

Equine professional associations around the world share common areas of activity and concern. Equine welfare, availability of equine veterinary medicines, disease surveillance and provision of member services are important in all countries and cut across international boundaries. Despite national and international legislative and cultural differences, there are great mutual advantages in the international equine associations working together, cooperating and sharing resources to address these issues.

List of International Associations and Contact Details

The attachment below contains contact details for international associations. If any details are missing or incorrect please email read more | 1 attachment

Equine Welfare

United Kingdom

Equine welfare in the United Kingdom is regulated by the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/act/index.htm). The Act came into force in 2007 and simplifies, harmonises and updates the UK’s animal welfare legislation by making two general provisions:
· It is against the law to cause, or allow, animal cruelty to occur
· Owners and keepers of animals have a legal responsibility to ensure an animal’s welfare needs are met: this is both a duty of care and a duty to care

Availability of Equine Vet Medicines

United Kingdom

The manufacture, marketing authorisation and supply of equine veterinary medicines in all European Community member states is controlled by EU Directive 2004/28/EC. Implementation of the directive at member state level is achieved by national legislation. In the UK, veterinary medicines are regulated by the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, first introduced in 2005. The legislation is reviewed, revoked and renewed in October each year to enable to remain current and take account of changes both nationally and at EU level. In the UK the government agency responsible for veterinary medicines legislation is the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (www.vmd.gov.uk), which produces detailed guidance notes on the legislation and conducts the annual consultations and reviews. Overall, the Regulations aim to promote the safe and responsible use of veterinary medicines to protect the consumer, as well as promoting competition for the supply of veterinary medicines.

Disease Surveillance

United Kingdom

Surveillance for ‘exotic’ diseases (i.e. non-endemic diseases) in the UK is the responsibility of the Government department Defra and the Office of Animal Health (www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/monitoring/index.htm). Diseases which are notifiable are subject to statutory measures for surveillance, testing, reporting, investigation and control (www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/horses.htm).

Professional Association Member Services

BEVA

BEVA believes that provision of a broad range of member services is essential for professional associations. Member services fulfil several important functions: