The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has lifted the ban that brought a premature halt to the hunter chase season, pony racing and retired horse parades on racecourses.
The temporary measures were introduced after a race meeting at Plumpton was called off in May due to a case of highly contagious equine influenza and EHV-4 in a non-thoroughbred horse at a livery yard adjacent to the track. Access to tracks on raceday was restricted only to horses from licensed training yards.
Significant reduction in flu cases
On Friday the BHA announced there had been a significant reduction in levels of equine flu across the British horse population and no recent cases in thoroughbred racehorses.
“We are confident there is no longer a heightened risk of equine flu within the thoroughbred racing herd,” the regulator said.
“This means that existing restrictions on pony racing on British racecourses are lifted, as well as Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parades and equine activities that form part of family fun day entertainment, such as petting farms and pony rides.
“The lifting of restrictions also permits the resumption of hunter chases, although there are no such races scheduled to take place this time of year.”
Industry cooperation acknowledged
BHA Director of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare, James Given, thanked members of the racing industry for their cooperation.
“The six-monthly vaccinations that are required for all racehorses have proved effective in helping to reduce the risk of infection and prevent the spread of flu within the thoroughbred herd, along with the additional measures introduced to prevent mixing of horses,” he said.
“We know that these measures have been disappointing and inconvenient to many. We thank everyone affected for their patience and cooperation, which has been vital in allowing us to protect the thoroughbred herd and continue racing while avoiding the need for more draconian measures.
“While the situation continues to improve, it’s important to maintain a biosecure environment for racehorses, and we would urge the racing community to follow the infection control guidance and remain vigilant to any signs of equine flu, particularly as we enter a busy period of sales.”
