A spokesperson for the equine infectious disease surveillance (EIDS) has recommended horse owners take a “risk-based approach” on equine flu. Activity of the disease has surged in recent weeks, with 52 outbreaks now confirmed across Great Britain.
The number was reported by the EIDS, a function of the Cambridge Vet School. Equine flu was cited as the reason for Plumpton’s meeting on Sunday being abandoned before its conclusion. An unvaccinated horse at a nearby livery yard tested positive for the disease, as well as equine herpes.
This increased activity has led to a spokesperson for the EIDS urging caution to owners of all horses, thoroughbred or otherwise.
“The continued emergence of cases across a wide geographic area, combined with the strong association with recent horse movement, highlights the importance of movement-related risk during periods of heightened EI (equine infection) activity,” a spokesperson said, as reported by Horse And Hound. “EI virus can spread over several kilometres under suitable conditions; therefore infection should not be excluded in premises with no recent horse movement, particularly in regions with known local activity.”
“Vigilance for early clinical signs, maintaining up-to-date vaccination status and implementing isolation protocols for new arrivals remain essential. EIDS continues to encourage reporting of confirmed EI cases, with permission to share anonymised data at county level. This enables the development of an accurate and timely national picture of EI activity.”
BHA cautions trainers to “remain vigilant”
With Plumpton’s meeting the only casualty of equine flu thus far, racing has survived an early storm. There are few signs that this disease will rival past outbreaks. Some diseases have wiped out substantial periods of racing, such as foot and mouth.
Nevertheless, with 52 outbreaks confirmed, racing is at a crucial juncture. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) have, like the EIDS, released quotes cautioning the sport’s participants.
“We have also seen a significant recent rise in the number of equine flu outbreaks across the country, in the non-thoroughbred herd,” James Given of the BHA said. “I urge trainers and teams to remain vigilant in their own biosecurity measures and be alert to the signs of infection.”
Last week saw the largest number of cases confirmed over the course of seven days so far. 15 were reported, up from 13 during the previous two weeks respectively.