The IHRB will now be testing for the mandatory vaccination of racehorses with the Clade 1 Equine Influenza Vaccination. This measure comes in response to a recent outbreak of the virus among British and Irish yards.
From the Irish Field:
" The IHRB reiterate that racing will continue in Ireland with enhanced measures as follows:
• In order to be eligible to race, horses must have received a vaccine for equine influenza which contains Clade 1 virus within eight weeks of their race.
• This updated MANDATORY vaccination requirement is to be implemented under Rule 91 with effect from Monday 18th February.
• After this date horses will only be able to enter racecourse stables and race having had the appropriate vaccine within the previous eight weeks.
• It is advised that trainers and handlers take action IMMEDIATELY to comply with this in order to be able to race 6 clear days after vaccination.
• IHRB Veterinary Officers and Assistants will be carrying out veterinary inspections with increased scrutiny at the entrance to racecourse stables on all horses.
• Trainers and handlers are advised that if any horse shows any sign of respiratory disease they will not be allowed to enter racecourse stables or race.
• Trainers are strongly advised to check their runners close to travel to include taking their temperature to ensure that they are fit to race.
• Runners from Britain will not be permitted to race in Ireland until further notice. "
It is crucial for Trainers and Breeders not only to immunize their horses against Equine Influenza, but also to observe good yard management practices in order to decrease the risk of an outbreak.
To minimise the risk of equine influenza :
From the Irish Field:
■ Booster vaccination is recommended for horses that have not been vaccinated in the last six months. It is preferable to use a vaccine that contains a Clade 1 virus such as A/eq/South Africa/04/2003 or A/eq/Ohio/2003.
■ All horses on a premises should be vaccinated to ensure herd immunity. Unvaccinated infected horses will amplify virus and shed large quantities into the atmosphere. If there is sufficient build-up of virus their vaccinated companions are likely to develop clinical signs. ■ Young horses and horses early in their vaccination career, are more susceptible to influenza than older horses that have been vaccinated for many years. Thus, it is advisable to group horses according to risk, for example, yearlings should not be stabled in the same barn as racehorses. ■ New arrivals or horses returning from equestrian events should be isolated for preferably two weeks but a minimum of one week, during which time their temperature should be monitored daily and veterinary advice sought if influenza is suspected.
Equine MediRecord gives trainers and breeders the ability to record all vaccinations given to horses under their care. Users will get automatic email updates reminding them of upcoming vaccination deadlines, helping ensure no more missed vaccinations and the associated risks of fines and missed races.
