Hillier Consulting has devised and today implements an important new equine health alert communications programme. The Equine Health Alert programme is used for the first time today with the advice notice issued for a fatal outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).
Harnessing the immediacy and reach of social media for real-time health alerts
Combining experience and expertise in crisis management, PR and online and social media, Hillier Consulting has devised, and today (28 October 2016) launches, an important new equine health alert communications and engagement programme for Europe’s pre-eminent equine veterinary practice.
An outbreak in North Hertfordshire/South Bedfordshire of the neurological presentation of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV), also known as Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy, is the first time the new initiative is to be used. The new, instantly recognisable Equine Health Alert Shield logo is being applied primarily across social media, including Twitter and Facebook. Social media quickly reaches Rossdales Hertfordshire clients and the wider equestrian community to alert them to the contagious disease which is often fatal to horses. News media are included within the target audience.
Immediately recognisable as authoritative health advice
Messaging on social media carries links to the full advisory notice which is published on Rossdales Hertfordshire’s own website news pages. The advisory notice provides authoritative information about the outbreak and the measures to be taken by owners, riders and yard managers to limit the spread of the disease.
Susanna Ballinger MRCVS, managing partner and head vet at Rossdales Hertfordshire said today:
We are now successfully integrating social media, news management, stakeholder engagement and even print advertising in a completely new way. Hillier Consulting has devised a strategy which ensures we reach our clients and the wider equestrian community quickly with important messages. We can now be a great deal more proactive, as well as responsive, in providing authoritative advice to horse owners directly, and via the media.
Susanna added,
The new Equine Health Alert Shield logo is a clearly recognisable symbol. We have been trailing it and its importance for a while, but today is the first time we are using it for a health alert.
Note:
Rossdales Hertfordshire is a dedicated first opinion equine veterinary practice. The ambulatory division of Rossdales LLP, it operates around the clock, 365 days of the year.