Passports and Vaccinations

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.

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Best Regards
East Anglian Carriage Driving Group Committee