As a result of the increase in reported cases of equine influenza, the BHAA is working closely with the Equine Infectious Disease Advisory Group (EIDAG), British Equestrian and other Member Bodies and it has been recommended that there needs to be a period of increased vigilance and monitoring to help prevent a further spread of the disease.
We are asking all members to play their part in protecting the wider equestrian community by following these best practice recommendations:
Check vaccinations are up to date
There is robust scientific evidence to show that decreasing the booster interval to six months, further reduces risk of clinical signs and spread of the virus. Although six monthly boosters are not mandated by the BHAA, it is recommended that owners consider giving their horse an additional booster at this time of high risk if they travel to events and were last vaccinated more than six months previously. Organisers should check with venues at the earliest opportunity to check whether any premises have more stringent vaccination requirements, and communicate with participants if this is the case.
Passport checks will be undertaken at BHAA events (club meets, clinics and competitions) so please be prepared to present your passport for checking. Any horse that is not correctly vaccinated will not be permitted to participate or remain at the venue.
Do not travel unwell horses & monitor your horse’s temperature
If you’re travelling your horse, check them for signs of ill health prior to leaving the yard – this includes a fever, nasal discharge, a cough, diarrhoea and enlarged lymph nodes. The BHAA requires participants who are travelling to BHAA events to take their horse’s temperaturetwice daily for 72 hours prior to arriving at the gathering and withdraw from the competition if the rectal temperature exceeds 38.5oC at any time in that window. Local organisers should seek assurance that this has been done when doing the horse’s passport check
Some helpful advice from British Equestrian:
Consider staying at home based on local knowledge
While the national risk level is now classed as high throughout the country, everyone should be mindful of any information they have regarding their specific location. The flu virus can spread several kilometres, depending on local conditions. If owners and yards are aware of flu outbreaks in horses within one mile of ‘home’ or the gathering you’re attending, you should give serious consideration to staying at home.
Event cancellation
The BHAA and BEF’s highest priority is for horse welfare. Events will be cancelled if there is an Equine Flu case within one mile of the venue.
If we all, as a UK population of horse owners and competitors, act responsibly according to the points already made, then hopefully the Equine Flu spread can be controlled before we get to the point of widespread event cancellations being required.
You can view additional resources via the links below
Clubs, coaches and members will be emailed with updated information, guidance and current BHAA policy as the situation develops
Thank you for helping us protect the sport we all love
Background information on equine influenza and details of EIDAG’s recommendations regarding equine influenza and measures to reduce disease spread amongst horses attending gatherings (including yards) can be found here.