With the
recent equine flu outbreak and the onset of our 2019 season we have reviewed
the safety precautions at EACDG events to minimise the risk of spread of this
disease.
ALL
horses/ponies attending EACDG events (training or competition) MUST be
accompanied by their passports and be up to date with flu vaccination.
Passports will be checked on arrival - please do not unload until your
passports have been checked.
Passport details will be held on a secure database
to enable EACDG to fast track your entry at future events.
If you do not have the passport with you or
vaccination is not up to date, you will be asked to leave (no refund will be
given). There will be no exceptions.
What are the
vaccination requirements?
Horses must have completed their primary course (2 injections 21-92 days apart)
before they may attend events.
A first booster must be given 150-215 days after the second injection.
Subsequent boosters must be given at intervals of no more than one calendar
year.
Horses may not attend events until 7 days after completion of the primary
course or within 7 days of a booster.
Whilst we
will not require horses to have a booster every 6 months, if it has been longer
than 6 months since the last vaccination, we strongly recommend that you
discuss a booster with your vet.
What are the
signs of flu?
Signs include high temperature, cough, snotty nose, enlarged glands (under the
lower jaw), swollen or sore eyes, depression, loss of appetite and swelling in
the lower legs. If you see any of these signs, isolate the horse and call your
vet immediately.
It is essential that any horses showing signs of possible equine flu, or horses
that might have been in contact with possibly infected horses, do not travel to
competitions or other events where there will be groups of horses. If your
horse has been in contact with an infected horse please take immediate
veterinary advice.
What else
can I do to protect my horse/pony?
Flu virus is very contagious and is spread by air as well as on equipment and
people. You can help to reduce the risk of spread by practising good
biosecurity e.g. minimising contact between horses, not sharing equipment such
as water buckets.
Where can I
find more information?
Equiflunet: https://www.aht.org.uk/…/equifl…/equiflunet-for-horse-owners
We
apologise for any inconvenience caused but feel strongly that we need to do all
that is possible to stop this disease from spreading.
If you have any questions then please get in touch with any committee member.
--
Best Regards
East Anglian Carriage Driving Group Committee
