New Rulings on Flu Vaccinations for the British Championships

Anyone planning to enter the British Championship should be aware of the new FEI rule on influenza that has been adopted by FEIF and therefore DOES apply to horses wishing to compete at FIPO shows abroad, in particular the World Championships. All horses must be vaccinated for influenza every six months rather than the current period of 12 months.

At IHSGB shows in the UK, we are following the current Jockey Club rule which states horses must be vaccinated for flu every 12 months. This should be entered in the passport and available for inspection at any IHS show.

Notes:

1. There is, of course, no legal requirement to vaccinate horses, only if you wish to enter FIPO shows abroad.

2. All passports and vaccination records will be inspected on arrival at the British Championship

3. The IHSGB uses FIPO rules. However at IHS shows we currently follow Jockey Club rules for influenza vaccination ie every 12 months.

4. Horses that have not been vaccinated in accordance with the Jockey Club rules will not be allowed on the site.

5. It is up to individual organisers of events such as have a go shows or courses to specify the requirements they have to allow horses on their premises.

6. It may be prudent for those who may be representing the UK at the world championship to meet the new requirement.

Background

The FEI states that " Outbreaks of the disease are occurring withincreased frequency worldwide despite the widespread use of vaccines. The highy contagious nature of equine influenza means that it has the potential to seriously compromise international movement of horses. For a number of years the FEI rules have required an annual booster vaccination, but recent research indicates that many vaccines protection declines after a few months. This means that towards the end of the vaccination year horses may become susceptible to infection again but many not show clinical signs of disease.

The FEI rule:

ANNEX VI EQUINE INFLUENZA VACCINATION (CURRENTLY REVIEWED)

The FEI requires all horses competing in FEI competition to provide evidence of sufficient vaccination against equine influenza. This involves regular six monthly booster vaccinations following a primary vaccination course, as from January 2005. All horses and ponies for which an FEI Passport or a National

Passport approved by the FEI has been issued must have the vaccination section completed and endorsed by a veterinarian, stating that it has received two injections for primary vaccination against equine influenza, given between 1 and 3 months apart.

In addition, a booster vaccination must be administered within each succeeding 6 months (±21 days) following the second vaccination of the primary course. None of these injections must have been given within the preceding 7 days including the day of the competition or of entry into the competition stabies. The above are the minimum requirements for influenza vaccination. The primary course and subsequent booster vaccinations should be given according to the manufacturer's instructions that will fall within the stipulation of the FEI ruling.