In relation to a reported outbreak of equine herpes virus in the form of equine neurological disease at the yard of Victor Dartnall, Professor Tim Morris, Director of Equine Science and Welfare for the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), said:

“We have been working with the trainer and his veterinary surgeon to ensure that the correct, robust security measures have been put in place.

“It is in theory possible that horses may have been infectious before the signs of the disease appeared. We have therefore alerted racecourse, trainer and veterinary representatives to possible exposure but stress that the actual risk of transmission of this virus in a controlled raceday environment is relatively small.

“This emphasises the importance of trainers being vigilant for signs of disease and in particular they should refer to the recently published NTF Code of Practice for Infectious Diseases of Racehorses in Training, which contains specific advice on surveillance for this disease and what to do if they have concerns that a horse in their care is showing signs of the disease.”