Members may have read that there is likely to be some shortage of equine flu vaccines, potentially until the end of October. British Equestrian has consulted with all of its member bodies together with the British Equestrian Veterinary Association (BEVA) and have issued a statement.

https://www.britishequestrian.org.uk/news/update-equine-influenza-vaccine-shortage

TREC GB, alongside most of the other equestrian disciplines, will retain its 12-month booster requirement. This recognises that the majority of our horses are, as identified by the BEVA risk assessment, engaged in competition where the risks of potential transmission are greater. Where horses attend events, competitors should in the first instance encourage their vets to prioritise the vaccination of their horse due to them being in a higher risk group.

In exceptional circumstances, and only where the shortage prevents a booster from being administered within the required 12-month timeline, the horse’s booster date may extend to 15 months. These horses must have their passports marked and signed by their vet to document the delay and identify the new booster due date which must be within 15 months of the previous booster.

The entry on the passport must be submitted to TREC GB Admin as you would with a new booster for the purpose of updating the TREC GB Flu Register, at which point TREC GB will review and approve the extension. Once the delayed booster has been given, a further booster will then be required within 9 months of the delayed booster to ensure the protocol of horses having two boosters within a 24-month period is maintained.

Where a horse has been granted an extension to 15 months, the owner should be aware that if it is intended that the horse attends an event at a more sensitive venue (such as a racecourse), a full restart may be required before the horse can attend those venues.

If you have any queries about the amendments to the flu vaccination policy, please contact admin@trecgb.com