02 September 2019

Redwings awarded for action on strangles

We've been recognised for our valuable contribution in controlling the infectious equine disease strangles by being awarded PASS Silver Status by SRUC Veterinary Services, which runs the national Premium Assured Strangles Scheme.

Our successful Stamp Out Strangles Campaign has been acknowledged for instigating more open and honest discussions about the disease and for encouraging all sectors of the equine community to take proactive action to prevent, identify and treat strangles.

In particular, we received praise for the practical advice and guidance we provide for vets, horse owners and yard managers through our online hub. So far, more than 135 yard managers and more than 545 horse owners have taken our Pledge to do their part to tackle strangles.

As well as offering support to other yards, we practise what we preach as all rescued horses are that are brought into Redwings from outside the sanctuary are initially kept within a suitable quarantine area while they are monitored and tested for strangles by our veterinary surgeons.

Andie Vilela, Education and Campaigns Manager at Redwings, said: "It's fantastic that Redwings' campaign has been acknowleged by PASS - a leading nationwide scheme to help reduce the risk of strangles in the UK. We're delighted to receive the scheme's support and look forward to continuing our collaboration with SRUC to encourage more people to take steps to protect their horses from this infectious disease."

Jill Thomson, Veterinary Manager of PASS at SRUC Veterinary Services, added: “We are delighted to be awarding PASS Silver Status to Redwings Horse Sanctuary, who implement testing and biosecurity protocols to control strangles in their own yards as well as campaigning and educating the equine industry.”