Equine Influenza

The BHA has confirmed a case of equine influenza in a vaccinated thoroughbred in a yard adjacent to Welsh Grand National-winning trainer Mel Rowley in Shropshire, England. The horse came from the Goffs Arkle Sale in Ireland and arrived in the yard on June 12. It was reported to have been transported along with eight other thoroughbreds who were also purchased at the sale that took place between June 9 and 11.  It is understood that the BHA has contacted those responsible for the horses who came into contact with...

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has warned trainers to continue to be vigilant in the wake of a rising number of equine influenza cases across the country. There has to date been more than 68 reported outbreaks in the non-thoroughbred population in both vaccinated and non-vaccinated horses. An update issued on Friday read, "Despite the huge benefits of vaccination, protection can never be 100%. We must also therefore try to prevent the virus entering the racing herd in the first place. This is how we keep our horses healthy and...

Stratford's popular hunter chase meeting scheduled for Friday, May 29 has been abandoned as the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) implements further precautionary measures following a continued rise in reported equine influenza cases in the non-thoroughbred population. The BHA announced on Monday that, from Wednesday this week, only horses from licensed training yards will be permitted to enter racecourse property on a raceday, with all hunter chase races abandoned and other equine activities - including ex-racehorse parades, petting farms and pony rides as part of family fun day entertainment - cancelled....

The National Hunt meeting scheduled for Plumpton on Sunday has been abandoned by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) as a "precautionary measure", after a confirmed case of equine influenza at a livery yard adjacent to the racecourse. The BHA said the discovery of equine flu and EHV-4 was in an unvaccinated non-thoroughbred horse based at the yard. Equine flu is highly contagious respiratory disease and can be airborne over reasonable distances and transmitted indirectly to horses, including via people. Racing in Britain was brought to a halt for six days...

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA)'s cross-industry Veterinary Committee--in conjunction with the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA)--approved to relaxing Equine Influenza vaccination requirements temporarily due to Cornonavirus outbreak. The move has been made in order to assist trainers, owners and vets in tackling the logistical challenges caused by the pandemic. During the remainder of 2020, horses will be required to have received an approved equine influenza vaccination within the last 12 months, instead of the existing nine-month period. The change to the policy is for 2020 only. The 12-month policy was...