The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) has published an industry protocol for those working on stud farms during the coronavirus outbreak.
Following the British government's order for people to work from home and remain under lockdown where possible, the TBA has taken advice for its members and their employees and believes that many people employed in the racing and stud sectors working with horses cannot work from home and are therefore deemed to be essential workers.
The set of guidelines for the COVID-19 Protocol for Thoroughbred Breeders can be found here. They include the closure of studs to all non-essential visitors, the following of government advice regarding regular hand-washing and sanitising as well as social distancing from co-workers, and making appointments in advance for horses travelling to other yards or studs.
The procedures put in place on each stud must be recorded and displayed, and there must be records that members of staff have been fully briefed.
When taking mares for walk-in covers to stallion studs, paperwork, including passport information and the completed COVID-19 transport form, must be sent electronically in advance. Staff travelling in the horsebox must remain in the vehicle and have no contact with the staff at the stallion stud. All movements of horses between premises must be recorded online with Weatherbys.
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