IRISH trainers have been urged to remain vigilant over the symptoms of equine influenza, though there are no thoroughbred cases confirmed in the country at present. British racing this week cancelled hunter chases to reduce the chance of cross-contamination between licenced and unlicenced yards.

The British Horseracing Authority said that due to a “continued rise in reported equine influenza cases in the non-thoroughbred population”, the step was a “precautionary measure” that included abandoning the prominent hunter chase meeting at Stratford next week.

The BHA is, however, working with Ascot “to replicate the biosecurity measures of a licensed premises to enable the Royal procession to go ahead” without increased risk.

On the response to the outbreak from an Irish perspective, a spokesperson for the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board told The Irish Field: “Our team works closely with the Irish Equine Centre and veterinary practitioners to monitor the incidence of equine infectious diseases, including equine influenza. Herd immunity is key and there are currently no diagnosed cases in the Irish thoroughbred population.

“Under the rules of racing, all racehorses are required to be vaccinated against equine flu every six months which is supported by a robust programme of regulatory oversight. The strains currently circulating are covered by existing vaccines and, as a result, any potential disease challenge is expected to have minimal impact.

“The IHRB Code of Practice for Infectious Disease in Thoroughbred Racehorses in Training assists in providing information about the control of equine influenza. Trainers are encouraged to remain vigilant to the clinical signs of equine influenza and consult with their vet immediately should any concerns arise.” The BHA said on Friday that cases in the non-thoroughbred population “are higher than at any time in recent history”, with more than 68 reported outbreaks across 36 counties.