SummaryReasons for performing study: Equine grass sickness (EGS) remains a frequently fatal disease of equids in Britain. Since previous investigations of signalment-and meteorology-related risk factors for EGS have yielded some conflicting data, further investigation is warranted. Objectives: To identify signalment-and meteorology-related risk factors for EGS in Scotland. Study design: Retrospective time-matched case-control study. Methods: This study was undertaken using data for 455 EGS cases and 910 time-matched controls that were referred to the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and average UK Meteorological Office weather station meteorological values from the month of admission of the animal, from the 3, 6 and 12 months prior to admission, and for the entire 1990-2006 period. Results and conclusion: Signalment-related risk factors associated with an increased risk of EGS were native Scottish pure breeds compared with crossbreeds (odds ratio [OR] = 3.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.43-5.43) and animals living on premises located further north within the study region (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.06-1.10). There was a decreased risk of EGS in animals aged 11-20 years compared with animals 2-10 years (OR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.22-0.45), non-native Scottish pure breeds compared with crossbreeds (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.54-0.94), and stallions compared with mares (OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.22-0.86). Meteorology-related risk factors associated with an increased risk of EGS were (if Ordnance Survey northing is excluded) more sun hours (OR1.43) and more frost days (OR1.13), while there was a decreased risk of EGS with higher average maximum temperature (OR0.83). Potential relevance: The signalment-related risk factors will help owners identify high-risk animals, thereby allowing them to prioritise management strategies. The identification of meteorological risk factors may assist studies on the aetiology of EGS.

Objective. To provide an overview of the COVID-19 outbreak preparedness and responses of Australian residential aged care facilities (RACFs), 12 months after the pandemic began in early 2020. Methods. A cross-sectional survey of RACF managers was conducted as part of an overview of COVID-19 experience during 2020. Survey questions were based on findings of previous outbreak reviews. Results. Comparison with available data from the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare suggested that survey respondents (n=331) were a representative sample. Almost all RACFs had outbreak management plans, including provision for a surge workforce. However, anticipated staff replacements fell short of those often required during outbreaks. Staff of most (83%) RACFs had completed online infection control training, and a smaller proportion (73%) face-to-face training, by the time of the survey. Exploratory analyses to identify RACF characteristics associated with increased outbreak risk found a strong association with location in Victoria (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 12.8) where most community transmission occurred during 2020. The only other association was an increased risk in facilities where all staff had not completed face-to-face infection control training (aRR 2.1). Respondents ranked leadership and management; planning and preparation; and infection control as the top three of seven critical lines of defence against COVID-19. Conclusion. Survey results suggest that, in early 2021, most Australian RACFs were better prepared for the ongoing risk of COVID-19 than in 2020. Continued implementation of recommendations from the Aged Care Royal Commission is needed to ensure the aged care sector is prepared for future infectious disease emergencies.

Reasons for performing study: Epidemiological investigations suggest that soil macro-and micro-nutrients may be a trigger for the occurrence of equine grass sickness (EGS). However, there is limited information regarding relationships between exposure to geochemical elements and the occurrence of EGS. Objectives: To determine whether the geographical distribution of EGS cases referred to the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies was associated with the presence or absence of particular geochemical elements in the environment. Study design: A retrospective time-matched case-control study. Methods: 455 EGS geo-referenced cases were identified between 1

6Concurrent proximal suspensory desmopathy and injury of the proximal aspect of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon in forelimbs and hindlimbs 19The relationship between foot conformation, foot placement and motion symmetry in the equine hindlimb R. F. AGASS, A. M. WILSON, R. WELLER AND T. PFAU 20The effect of hindlimb studs on movement symmetry in horses during lungeing H. SHARP, T. PFAU AND S. HOPKINS 20The relationship between working equids and women in developing countries Foreword and AcknowledgementsThis supplement contains a diverse selection of abstracts addressing clinical research from many disciplines. Topics that are particularly well represented this year include endocrinology, laminitis, critical care and spinal disease. The only consistent feature is the very high standard. This year, BEVA has devoted an extra two sessions to abstracts, but despite this increased time, the selection process was difficult due to the large number of excellent submissions. Over the last 10 years or so, Clinical Research Abstracts have progressively risen in stature and it is now the go-to place for cutting-edge, clinically relevant information delivered in a concise and highly professional manner. This is where Congress attendees will find the snippets of information to take straight back to practice to effect changes in the way of case management. By publishing this supplement in EVJ, BEVA hopes to make this new and relevant research available to those who have not been able to attend the Congress in person. Perhaps, this supplement will inspire some readers to make the trip next year. This year's BEVA Congress Clinical Research Abstracts have involved a more detailed review process than in the past. Brief reports on the abstracts under consideration were obtained from two peer reviewers before being graded, and ultimately selected by a subset of the Congress Scientific Programme Guardians: Renate Weller, Tim Barnett, Tom Witte, Neil Hudson and Janny De Grauw. We hope that the authors will find the feedback from reviewers constructive. I am extremely grateful to the peer reviewers, the CRA sub-committee and to James Crabtree and Matt Smith who completed the Programme Guardian team. David Hicks, Jane Woodley, Sue Wright and Anne Catchpole also deserve thanks for their contributions during the submission, appraisal and production phases of this Special Issue of EVJ. Editor-in-Chief, EVJ and Chairman BEVA 2014 Scientific Programme Guardians Objectives: To compare the sedative and hypoalgesic effects of 4 dosages of butorphanol in xylazine-premedicated donkeys. Celia M Marr Congress Session Sponsors Study design:In vivo experiment. Methods:Six donkeys received intravenous treatments: saline and saline (S-S); xylazine (0.5 mg/kg bwt) and saline (X-S); xylazine and butorphanol 10 μg/kg bwt (X-B10); xylazine and butorphanol 20 μg/kg bwt (X-B20); xylazine and butorphanol 30 μg/kg bwt (X-B30); and xylazine and butorphanol 40 μg/kg bwt (X-B40). Sedation score (0-3), head height above ground (HHAG),...

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