More studs issue new biosecurity measures ahead of breeding season

More studs in Britain have issued guidelines for breeders bringing mares to their premises as the covering season gets under way next week amid the equine influenza (EI) outbreak.

Tweenhills and Batsford Stud in Gloucestershire spelled out their revised requirements for mare owners on Thursday.

Some of the latest advice published is gathered below.

If you are a stud owner and would like to add any information on updated biosecurity measures, please email bloodstocknews@racingpost.com with details.

Dalham Hall Stud, Newmarket

"All mares must be correctly vaccinated for EI as set out in the British Horseracing Authority Protocol (primary vaccinations, booster and annual booster).

"The latest vaccination must have been given within six months of covering. All vaccinations must be entered in the mare’s passport.

"A mare that has not had a vaccination in the last two years must have had the first two vaccinations of a primary course prior to covering.

"If vaccination has lapsed and the most recent vaccination was given within two years a further vaccination at this time will suffice.

"The mare’s passport must accompany the mare (not a copy) in order to verify up to date vaccinations.

"All mares will firstly be inspected on arrival prior to unloading."

National Stud, Newmarket

"In light of the EI situation we sought advice from veterinary practices, the TBA and NSFA.

"We will strictly adhere to the their protocol and will require all visiting mares/horses to provide, in advance of arrival, a copy of the passport showing that an EI vaccination has been given within six months of the anticipated arrival date.

"Mares will only be accepted for covering following receipt of evidence confirming a full EI vaccination history and confirmation that the mare has received a booster EI vaccination within the six months prior to first covering."

Cheveley Park Stud, Newmarket

"In light of the current EI outbreak, and on veterinary advice and TBA recommendation, we are now insisting that all mares visiting Cheveley Park Stud stallions in 2019 have received an EI booster vaccine within six months prior to being covered.

"Full EI vaccination history should be recorded in the mare’s passport, which must accompany the mare for each and every service.

"Please find the updated NSFA Breeding Regulations and Freedom From Infection Form in the Breeding Regulation Documents section of our website."

Overbury Stud, Gloucestershire

"On veterinary advice Overbury Stud will now require all visiting and walking in mares to have been vaccinated against EI within six months of their anticipated arrival date.

"A copy of the passport showing this vaccination will be required in advance."

Shade Oak Stud, Shropshire

Meanwhile Shade Oak Stud in Shropshire has cancelled its open day scheduled for next Thursday, saying: “Having thought carefully about the pros and cons, we feel it would be inappropriate to hold [it] at this time, particularly since there is a risk that EI can be spread by human contact – it simply wouldn’t be fair to either our many visitors at the event or the horses based here, particularly in-foal mares and young foals.

“We are really sorry to have to take this action, because we enjoy meeting many of our clients and friends that day, but we felt we really had no choice.”

Regarding breeding guidelines for the weeks ahead, it added: "We will be checking all passports for mares coming to the stud for confirmation that non-pregnant mares have received a booster vaccination within the six months prior to covering; ideally, for pregnant mares the last vaccination should be within four to six weeks of foaling, so that she passes on the best possible immunity to her foal."