A study looking at injuries sustained by equine vets during their day-to-day work is being undertaken.
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has commissioned a group from the University of Glasgow, to lead the survey-based study.
It is hoped that the results will help to keep vets and aspiring vets aware of the potential hazards involved in equine practice and help guide training to minimise risk and reduce financial losses.
Anecdotal evidence indicates that many of the 2,500 equine veterinary surgeons working in the UK may sustain a significant number of injuries as part of their work with horses. However, the prevalence and type of these injuries has never been quantified.
BEVA members based in the UK are being asked to complete an anonymous survey online.
Questions include the number of lifetime injuries, details of most significant injuries during working lifetime, injuries to other involved parties, details of any chronic equine work related health issues and time lost from work per year due to injury and illness.
“The results should help equine vets and their employers to develop measures to control the risks to which they are exposed,” said former BEVA president Keith Chandler.
To complete the survey visit: www.beva.org.uk.
