The following update has been sent to British racehorse trainers today, with the latest information on the work to stop the spread of equine influenza and guidance ahead of the upcoming sales.

Situation update

Our thanks again to trainers for your continued efforts, and in particular to those who purchased or received horses from the Goffs Arkle sale for your support as we traced and determined the level of risk.

Fortunately, through these actions and prompt engagement we were able to quickly identify those yards at higher risk of exposure and take targeted action.

This included withdrawing a small number of intended runners and testing others to make sure they were free of the virus before travelling to the racecourse.

We would also like to confirm that, through this process, we have been able to lift the restrictions placed on Mel and Phil Rowley’s yard in Shropshire.

Again, we are very grateful for their proactive assistance, which has helped avoid what could potentially have been a much bigger and less manageable outbreak.

Upcoming sales

With sales coming up in the weeks ahead, including the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale at Fairyhouse starting today, please continue to be vigilant around biosecurity measures.

Please ensure that horses purchased or received from sales – as with any new horse from the sales, pre-training or elsewhere – are:

• Fully vaccinated and isolated for a period of at least 14 days. This is the only way you can be confident they are healthy and disease free before mixing with your established horses.
• Monitored daily for any signs of infection. These include a raised temperature (above 38.5°C), a harsh cough or nasal discharge. Also, things like lethargy or loss of appetite.

For this week’s Derby sale, we have been engaging with Tattersalls Ireland, who have issued clear advice for sellers and purchasers and have enhanced their veterinary checks and monitoring of horses on arrival and during the sale.

Continued vigilance

More generally, please continue to follow the guidance we have provided that is available here on the BHA website.

From vaccination and isolating new horses to general biosecurity and infection control measures in yards, everyone has a part to play in continuing to keep the industry safe and healthy.

The good work that is being done now is having the necessary effect and we would urge trainers and teams to keep following the advice and doing what you are doing.

Please also be alert to the signs of the virus. These include a raised temperature (above 38.5°C), a harsh cough or nasal discharge, and also things like lethargy and poor performance or loss of appetite.

If a horse is showing these signs or you have any concerns about their wellbeing, please consult your veterinary surgeon and contact the BHA right away.

Thank you again for your cooperation and support as we work together to protect British racing and the thoroughbred herd.

For any immediate questions, please contact: [email protected].