EQUINE INFLUENZA UPDATE

Horse Sport Ireland, the Governing Body for Equestrian Sport in Ireland, is closely monitoring the situation regarding recent cases of Equine Influenza. Dermot Forde, National Head Veterinarian, advises that, “while equestrian events in Ireland are to continue as planned at the moment, HSI encourages all horse owners/breeders/livery & competition yards, to rigorously check the vaccination status of their horses and to closely monitor all horses in their care. Owners are advised to liaise closely with their veterinary surgeon for further advice and to allay any concerns they might have.”   To minimise the risk of equine influenza Booster vaccination is recommended, in the present circumstances, for horses that have not been vaccinated in the last six months. Your veterinary surgeon will advise you on the most appropriate type of vaccine. All horses on a premises should be vaccinated to ensure herd immunity. Unvaccinated infected horses will amplify virus and shed […]