NIHB launches digital passport for equines
Digital passport will encompass not only the crucial element of traceability, but also many other features
An RTE Investigates documentary that aired last June, featuring Ireland’s only licensed equine abattoir, highlighted a number of issues regarding equine welfare and traceability and led to demands for further investigation.
Professor Patrick Wall was tasked with compiling a report and ‘Reforms to strengthen equine identification, traceability and welfare’ was released recently. Therein, Wall makes numerous recommendations, including ‘a user-friendly digital platform’ to ‘empower stakeholders, streamline compliance and strengthen oversight’.
Meanwhile, over the past couple of years, the Northern Ireland Horse Board (NIHB) has been looking into what is required to produce a digital passport for the horses on their system and beyond. They have just launched a digital passport for equines throughout Ireland.
In commending Professor Wall on the publication of his report and in support of its recommendations, Christopher Bogle, Director General of the NIHB, said: “The Northern Ireland Horse Board recognises the importance of the Equine Industry, and that the welfare of our equines is of paramount concern. NIHB welcomes the publication of Professor Wall’s report and supports the recommendations within it,” said Christopher Bogle, Director General, NIHB.
An introduction to Equiyd, a deep-tech and AI-driven equine management platform, some months ago has led to a collaboration with the NIHB, to bring the technology to the horse owners of Ireland.
This digital passport will encompass not only the crucial element of traceability, but also many other features to aid transparency and the keeping of up to date records. The digital passport will be in addition to the traditional paper passport.
“In light of Professor Wall’s report, there’s a clear call for change in how we manage traceability and welfare across the equine sector,” commented Equiyd founder, Michelle Lea. “At Equiyd, we’re proud to collaborate with the Northern Ireland Horse Board to deliver a horse-centric solution that prioritises welfare, transparency and lifelong traceability. Our digital passport and platform ensures that every horse has a secure, centralised record that follows them throughout their life — no matter where they go or who owns them.”
In launching this digital solution, NIHB Chairperson, Hugh McCusker said: “In my 30 years in the Northern Ireland Horse Board, 15-plus years on the Horse Sport Ireland Board, Chair of the Irish Shows Association, as well as my years on the board of Show Jumping Ireland, this is the biggest step forward for our industry, and a privilege for me to be involved in.
“We are extremely proud to be able to bring this advanced technology to all of Ireland. The Heads of Terms have already been signed by both parties, and we are excited to move forward with our technical partners.
“We will be able to serve owners, breeders, veterinarians and industry professionals by ensuring that all critical data remains with the horse throughout its life, thereby enhancing welfare, transparency and operational efficiency,“ McCusker concluded.
The digital passport will ensure ‘unique and tamper-proof identification for every horse’, as well as digitising the traditional content, so that the data can stay with each horse for its lifetime.
The Equiyd system allows horse owners to set up a user-interface to access their horses’ passport information, while vets will be able to input vaccination or other relevant health data for that particular animal.
Transfer of ownership has been noted as being an issue, as new owners don’t always send their new horse’s passport to have the details updated. This can be done electronically with a digital passport.
“The Northern Ireland Horse Board collaboration with Equiyd heralds a new dawn for our industry, as we now embrace the technological advancements that Equiyd brings for Irish owners, breeders and producers. We are excited to work with Michelle and her team to bring Equiyd to Ireland, and how our shared objective can make the recommendations made by Professor Wall’s report a reality,” said Bogle.
The current set-up of the digital passport addresses around 80% of the recommendations in Professor Wall’s report, but further improvements will allow it to address and implement them all.
The NIHB currently has 30,000 equines on their database and their details are currently being uploaded onto the digital system, at no additional cost to members. Work will then start on uploading the details of the many other equines throughout Ireland.
Further information is available from the Northern Ireland Horse Board.