MSD Animal Health has launched the Yard Excellence Scheme to help yards and veterinary surgeons collaborate in developing best practice healthcare policies.

The scheme, which is part of the company's Keeping Britain’s Horses Healthy campaign, includes a pack - endorsed by BEVA and World Horse Welfare - to help yard owners and vets educate owners why they should vaccinate and the benefits of preventative healthcare.  

The Yard Excellence Scheme pack includes information on vaccination, weight management, worming and biosecurity. It also helps yard owners implement a range of preventative protocols covering things like worming, vaccination and managing new arrivals, and also put infectious disease outbreak protocols in place. 

There are also various things to promote the scheme within the yard, such as yard posters, a horse owner checklist, horse records and responsible horse owner booklets.

All the yards that develop and implement appropriate protocols, in collaboration with their vet, will achieve the Keeping Britain’s Horses Healthy Yard Excellence Scheme Standard and will be promoted on the scheme's Facebook page (@keepinghorseshealthy). 

Yards can also promote their achievement via social media and on their website.

Fieke Bennett, equine business manager at MSD Animal Health said: "Our KBHH Yard Excellence Scheme is aimed at encouraging yards and vets to collaborate more closely towards excellent preventative healthcare practices. 

"By encouraging vaccination and other preventative healthcare practices, livery yards will have a healthier population of horses; achieving an environment with happy horses, happy owners, and excellent yard reputation.

"This collaboration supports a strong relationship between the vet and the yard, a healthy yard means owners can enjoy their love of horses without restriction."

For further information talk to your MSD Animal Health Equine Account Manager, ring 01908 685685 or refer to KBHH social media feeds on Facebook page and Twitter (@keepinghorseshealthy).

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.