AHT to assist at Olympics
The Animal Health Trust (AHT) has been asked to help minimise any risks associated with equine flu between now and the end of July, following outbreaks of the disease in France and South America earlier this year.
Equine Influenza can spread even in vaccinated horses, and surveillance has been heightened in the run-up to the Olympic Games.
The AHT is offering free testing for the equine flu virus, and will provide the necessary equipment to veterinary surgeons at no charge, and neither will any fees be charged for EI specific laboratory testing. For more information about free testing, click here.
Meanwhile, horse owners are being encouraged to watch out for signs in yards where animals have returned from competitions, both in the UK and abroad. It is easy to miss mild or non-specific signs in vaccinated animals so it is important to stay vigilant.
Dr Richard Newton, Head of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance at the AHT, said: “Using rapid and sensitive viral detection methods applied to respiratory samples (especially swabs from the nose and throat) has greatly improved the accuracy of diagnosing EI.
“The UK’s Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry has supported our World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) laboratory initiatives through Horserace Betting Levy Board funding and now is the time for us all to make the most of the excellent systems we have in place.”
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
