BEF responds to resumption of racing
Statement from the British Equestrian Federation on Equine Flu:
The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) welcomes the decision by the British Horseracing Authority to resume racing from Wednesday 13 February.
We’re cautiously optimistic that after analysis of thousands of samples by the Animal Health Trust, there have been no further positive tests since the weekend.
The BEF continues to closely monitor the situation and assess the risk to health of UK horses whilst in regular consultation with specialist vets and experts in equine influenza and epidemiology with experience of managing previous outbreaks. Their assessment remains that it is not necessary to cancel other equine events subject to local disease status and local veterinary advice.
The BEF continues to urge horse owners to be vigilant for symptoms of equine flu – coughing, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, lethargy – and call their vet if they think their horses are showing signs.
We strongly recommend that owners ensure that their vaccinations are up to date – if it has been longer than six months since the last vaccination, we recommend you discuss a booster with your veterinary surgeon. As has been demonstrated in this outbreak, vaccinations are vital in tackling the spread of the disease. Therefore we recommend strongly that unvaccinated horses do not mix with other horses.
Our advice remains that you must not take your horse to an event or competition if horses at your yard are unwell.