By Cases of equine flu across the region
New cases of equine flu were identified at the Newmarket yard of trainer Simon Crisford, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed on Sunday.
The outbreak has forced the cancellation of all British racing until February 13 at the earliest, after three cases were found at Donald McCain’s stable in Cheshire on Wednesday, 6 February.
The BHA is expected to make a decision on Monday whether to resume horse racing this week.
Highly infectious
Equine flu is a highly infectious disease of horses, mules and donkeys.
Symptoms in non-immune animals include high fever, coughing and nasal discharge.
It has an incubation period of between one and five days and its symptoms can persist for several weeks.
In severe cases, a horse might be unable to exercise for two or three months and a severe outbreak could close down Britain’s racing industry for many weeks.
Shutdown echoes foot and mouth crises of 1967 and 2001
It is not yet known how long the current shutdown of racing may last – but on previous occasions, the racing calendar was affected for two months – and in 2001, the Cheltenham Festival was abandoned.
Thursday’s cancellations come less than five weeks before the start of this year’s Cheltenham Festival – the annual highlight of the National Hunt calendar. Humans cannot catch equine flu.
Humans can not be infected by the disease.
However, people can carry the virus on their skin, hair, clothing and shoes, and can therefore transfer the virus between horses.
Local horse owners have shared a plea on Facebook saying:
Hi everyone, there is an outbreak of Equine Influenza in the UK. This has led to all horse racing being abandoned today plus many equine related events including hunting, FEI and HOYS events! If you are rambling, dog walking or cycling and pass any fields with horses in, please do not approach or fuss them.
‘This strain of the virus is foreign and described as ‘rogue’. It is highly contagious and it is airborne.
‘It can live on people’s clothing and possibly dogs, for days. ‘Please help us to contain the outbreak by staying away.
Please, for our horses sake, take notice of this. (equine flu is much like human flu in as much as it can kill the young, the elderly and the weak!)’
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