Weatherbys has unveiled details of its E-Passport, which will go live in 2021 and will include stallion, mare and foal registration; pre- and post-racing vaccinations and medications, owner updates and full identification. The E-Passport could have significant implications for the cross-border movement of horses post-Brexit.
Elements of the E-Passport are already in use within Britain, Ireland and other jurisdictions. These include the vaccination and movement functionality to support the British Horseracing Authority and Horse Racing Ireland with their 'Return to Racing' protocols. The technology is also helping trace the movement of breeding stock during the breeding season in conjunction with the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association. Weatherbys continues to work closely with the BHA and HRI on the E-Passport rollout, while it is also being trialed in other jurisdictions and with other breeds.
Brian Kavanagh, chief executive officer of Horse Racing Ireland, said, “The work we are doing in conjunction with the IHRB and utilising the Weatherbys E-Passport has been incredibly positive for the pre-clearance of vaccination status. We see the E-Passport as a central part of the welfare and traceability strategy for Irish Racing over the coming years.”
David Sykes, director of equine health and welfare for the BHA, said, “The introduction of the Weatherbys Vaccination App played an important role within the protocols that allowed for racing to resume on June 1. The app brought both improved efficiency and greater security for those working with passports/passport data as the sport resumed behind closed doors during the pandemic.”
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