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 in place in Britain prior to 2019.
“In order to continue to best protect the racing industry from the effects of equine influenza it is suggested that, where possible, the current nine-month regulations are adhered to,” according to a BHA release. “However, given the current COVID-19 government requirements it is clear that this will not always be achievable, and provided that a horse has had an approved vaccination within the last 12 months it will remain eligible to compete when racing resumes.”
“The Veterinary Committee, BEVA and the BEF are in agreement that because of the movement restrictions currently in force, the levels of immunity in this population developed as a result of the intensive vaccination activity over the last 12 months, and the fact that there have been no reported equine influenza cases in the horse population in the UK this year, the move to the old vaccination protocol does not represent a significant risk for the remainder of 2020.”
The existing nine-month BHA policy is an interim policy pending a full industry consultation on a permanent protocol, which will be forthcoming.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
