The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) emphasized continued vigilance and cooperation among the wider training community as tracing efforts continue after a confirmed case of equine influenza was reported earlier this week.
According to the BHA, contact tracing had been employed in recent days to identify the horses that were transported to Britain from the Goffs Arkle sale as part of the same shipment as the positive case. Other horses purchased and received from the auction by British trainers, pre-trainers, and bloodstock agents have also been included in that search. Yards at potential risk have been identified while those at low or no risk have been removed as a concern for exposure to the virus. Locations at increased risk are being managed on a case-by-case basis.
Trainers with racing entries have either seen their runners withdrawn as a precaution or be PCR tested before being permitted to race. The targeted approach employed by the BHA is endorsed by leading infectious disease control experts and backed by the BHA's veterinary group. Considering the vaccination regime and the high standard of biosecurity measures that trainers have in place, the BHA has said the target approach is the right one.
“The BHA will continue to monitor the situation and vigilance remains the watchword,” the authority said in Saturday's update. “It is essential that the industry continues to take this very seriously and follows the advice provided to protect our horses and ensure racing can continue without interruption.”
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