Changes affecting the equine sector.

The article explores the growth and changes affecting the equine veterinary sector, noting that despite challenges, the sector continues to thrive, developing new techniques and equipment.

Growth of the Equine Sector

• The research highlights that the economic growth in the equine veterinary sector grows at a rate of 5 to 10 per cent a year, with temporary decline during recessions.
• Continual exploration of new niches, use of advanced imaging equipment, and development of new techniques have contributed to this growth.

Sector Statistics

• In the UK, 10% of the 19,000 practicing veterinarians are equine vets.
• There are approximately 300 equine practices, generating around £300 million per annum, contributing to 10% of the total UK veterinary services turnover of £3 billion.
• The average annual spend on veterinary fees and drugs for horses is more than £300 due to the fact that approximately 25% of horses are not seen by a vet each year.
• The equine sector as a whole has an economic impact of £7 billion, employs about 250,000 people, with half of this employment coming from horseracing.

Historical Background of the Equine Vet Sector

• The UK veterinary profession was essentially founded by a racehorse named Eclipse, who passed away in 1789. His death led to a vet being brought in from France to conduct a postmortem examination, which eventually led to the establishment of the Veterinary College of London in 1791.
• The British equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) was established in 1961 due to the varying nature of the equine sector and the isolation of individual practitioners.

Evolution of the Equine Veterinary Sector

• The equine sector experienced great growth in the 1980s, supported by national prosperity and societal aspiration, which led to the development of dedicated equine departments within mixed practices and the establishment of new practices.
• By the 1990s, the sector had consolidated with an increased level of specialization. The sector saw a second wave of growth and expansion in the 2000s with the building of new hospitals and infrastructure.