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Equine Flu Outbreak

Back in business basically. There will be massively heightened scrutiny between now and festival so if you compare where we are now vs just under a week ago, its all systems go. One month today!!!!

Defintely.
And not wishing for this to be a glass half empty post, but any further outbreaks linked to racecourses and we could easily find ourselves in lockdown again and any further stoppage as we edge closer to March could be catastrophic.
But all good for now, Ascot Saturday will be a monster card and I’m at Sandown Friday which benefits from the re-scheduled Kingmaker....
 
Its great that we have racing back but sweet FA from Bet 365 yesterday :highly_amused::highly_amused::highly_amused:
 
Biosecurity measures

In addition to the risk factors outlined above, and a
s an interim measure, the BHA has ordered that no entries or declarations will be accepted from horses that have not been vaccinated in the previous six months.Trainers are advised to checkcurrent vaccination records before declaring tomorrow morning. In addition, all trainers will be required to provide a health declaration upon arrival at a racecourse.

Will cause trouble that. Olly Murphy already ranting on twitter. Verdana Blue misses the run this weekend because of it so surely that puts the likes of Santini and Angels Breath at risk too?
 
Hills have voided all Newbury ante post due to venue change
 
Will cause trouble that. Olly Murphy already ranting on twitter. Verdana Blue misses the run this weekend because of it so surely that puts the likes of Santini and Angels Breath at risk too?

Another BHA cock up.
 
Is the equine flu vaccine put together in the same way as the human vaccine? If so, the final cocktail for each winter isn't decided until the spring/summer and made available in the autumn/winter.

Most NH trainers vaccinate November/December for a reason. It's unfortunate for those who have been caught out but possibly a self-inflicted wound? There was a BHA circular to all trainers last month suggesting that they get their horses re-vaccinated.
 
Yep feel sorry for the ones that tried to get boosters but had no available vets cos of the other testing etc.
But it was obvious they were going to have to have boosters, as I'm sure they advised trainers in Ireland similarly.
 
Is the equine flu vaccine put together in the same way as the human vaccine? If so, the final cocktail for each winter isn't decided until the spring/summer and made available in the autumn/winter.

Most NH trainers vaccinate November/December for a reason. It's unfortunate for those who have been caught out but possibly a self-inflicted wound? There was a BHA circular to all trainers last month suggesting that they get their horses re-vaccinated.

I heard that the vaccine for horses isn't updated annually and might not have been changed for a couple of years.
 
I heard that the vaccine for horses isn't updated annually and might not have been changed for a couple of years.

Quite possible but they still ignored the BHA circular.
 
While I was supportive at first of their action, this is rapidly descending into yet another BHA brewery piss up isn't it
 
No, they've done exactly the right thing.
 
No, they've done exactly the right thing.

I support the suspensions etc, but their handling of things in public, as someone who works in comms, leaves an awful lot to be desired
 
They put out a daily bulletin. Early on they said no decision until Monday and delivered on that.

I can't see that they could have done much more.
 
How many trainers will be on to them today badgering them to change the 6 month rule back to 12? Looking at twitter most trainers aren’t within the new 6 month rule
 
Once again, the BHA are between a rock and a hard place. Ireland put out a notice that is even more onerous; requiring horses to have a booster within eight weeks of racing. However, this notice was sent out on 8th February and comes into effect for racing from 18th February which, conveniently, means it doesn't affect this weekend's racing.
The six day period before being able to race is a bit of a 'red herring' as the booster can set horses back a touch and most trainers wouldn't ordinarily plan or want to run within six days of a booster shot.

This was from the IHRB:

- In order to be eligible to race, horses must have received a vaccine for equine influenza which contains Clade 1 virus within eight weeks of their race.
- This updated MANDATORY vaccination requirement is to be implemented under Rule 91 with effect from Monday 18th February
.
 
Hard to know whether BHA are right or wrong. I see a lot are now experts in the field.

They are aiming to stop an outbreak and have taken a measure at short enough notice. Whilst i can see the view that they didn't stipulate you must vaccine a horse every 6months, they did advise it twice. Perhaps they could've worded it better when advising and have said it's possible we will make it a ruling. Either way, i don't think they can be held out to dry here.

Annoying for some trainers like Hendo who could have AB running in a Supreme with little experience!
 
I think the Irish have called the BHA out for what they are. They've forced their hand lifting the ban as they are clearly not worried. The Irish did this to make them see sense. Fair play to them.
 
Racecourse gallops are often used as prep at this time of year. Has anyone seen any rules which prohibit these or do we assume they are effectively the same as if a horse was going to race that day ?