New Milton Equestrian Supplement Autumn-Winter 2019

9

EQUESTRIAN ∙ Autumn/Winter 2019

Celtic Equine vets ready to go at Romsey Show

EQUINE FLU UPDATE

This month, we check in with Alan Hough from Celtic Equine Vets for the latest on the equine flu epidemic… “After a record number of reported cases of equine flu in June - 64 separate outbreaks nationally - there was a slight decease in July to 51, while in the first three weeks of August, eight outbreaks were reported. “While the decrease in the number of outbreaks is to be welcomed, it is likely to be due to equine organisations and venues insisting on horses being vaccinated before they can compete, therefore the chances of unvaccinated horses mixing has been greatly reduced. “It was reported by The Animal Health Trust that one of the reasons for such a high number of cases in June was due to a large number of unvaccinated horses gathering at a horse fair in the North of England and then travelling back to their home counties and spreading the virus there. This particular source of spread of the virus

highlights why it is so important to have your horse vaccinated against equine flu. “British Dressage amended their rules last week, and now stipulate that all horses competing under BD rules will have to have a booster vaccination in the last month prior to the competition. The same rule applies for those competing under British Eventing rules. “Many local shows have also required up- to-date vaccinations. At Romsey Show last weekend, a team of vets from Celtic Equine Vets was checking the passports of every equine as they entered the showground to ensure the best bio-security for all animals attending. “As a direct result of the improved bio- security at local equine events this summer, we as a practice have seen a dramatic reduction in the number of other respiratory conditions we see such as strangles. This is due to horse owners at the shows being much more aware of other horses at the

venue coughing or having nasal discharge, and reporting these horses to the show organisers who then can ask those unwell horses to leave before infecting other horses at the venue. “Our advice to all equine owners is to vaccinate all horses, ponies and donkeys against equine flu, not just those that travel off the yard, as the virus is airborne and can spread up to 5km between yards. Also owners should ensure if they are taking their equines to any competitions that they check with the venue or organisation running the event regarding their vaccination requirements. We advise owners to to this well in advance of the date of the show as many organisations require that the horses not have had its last vaccination in the 7 days prior to the show.” For all the latest update on Equine Flu, go to: www.aht.org.uk/disease-surveillance/ equiflunet

This month, we hear from Emma Bailey about New Forest pony Buttslawn Olympus, who is competed by her daughter Lucy… won on countless occasions – most recently he and Lucy won the junior utility pony at the Breed Show and came third in the 2’6” and the 2’9” showjumping. HORSE OR PONY OF THE MONTH Buttslawn Olympus is such a dude - he gives 100% every time he is ridden, takes care of his rider and always tries his best. He loves his jumping and has