DR Ann Cullinane, Head of Virology with the Irish Equine Centre, has advised horse owners to consider giving their horses a ‘booster’ vaccination to help protect them from the current equine flu outbreak.

“This year has seen increased equine influenza activity in France, the UK and Ireland,” Dr Cullinane said. “The UK has reported over 100 affected premises. The Irish Equine Centre has identified 17 affected premises to-date, but recent events could result in a surge.

“Thus, owners with horses attending equestrian gatherings such as sales, race meetings and competitions should not simply abide by mandatory vaccination policies but also consider strategic boosting of their horses’ immune system.

“If the minimum requirement of a sales company or other body is a primary course consisting of two doses, horses that received their second dose over three months ago are very likely to benefit from a booster.

“This extra booster has been demonstrated in the past to result in a significant rise in protective antibodies. Similarly, if a horse received its last six monthly booster over four months ago consider boosting it now.

“It is not too late to administer a booster to reduce risk of influenza by attendance at sales or other events with onward travel next week.”

In a letter to trainers, the IHRB referred to this week’s Goffs-related case. “In addition, the IHRB Veterinary Department has become aware of a number of recent positive respiratory disease investigations in Ireland. While the position continues to be assessed, these developments indicate that infectious respiratory disease is currently circulating and reinforce the importance of maintaining appropriate biosecurity measures across the industry.

“Trainers should exercise heightened vigilance for signs of respiratory disease, including coughing, nasal discharge, elevated temperature, lethargy or reduced performance, and should seek prompt veterinary advice where such signs are identified. Attention should also be paid to ensuring vaccination schedules are adhered to.

“Importantly, in order to reduce the risk of disease transmission between training establishments and at racecourses, horses displaying signs or symptoms suggestive of respiratory disease should not be presented to race. Early identification and isolation of potentially affected horses is critical to limiting further spread. As such, any horse exhibiting clinical signs of respiratory illness may be prevented from entering the racecourse stable area and/or from racing where veterinary concerns arise.”