The National Horseracing Authority has reminded all stakeholders of an important amendment to the Rules regarding Equine Influenza vaccination.
Effective 1 January 2025, all horses and foals, including those on stud farms and spelling farms, shall only be vaccinated against Equine Influenza by a registered veterinary surgeon.
39.7.1 All HORSES and all FOALS shall be vaccinated by a veterinary surgeon against Equine Influenza both in accordance with the programme of vaccinations and with a non-expired vaccine from the recommended list as determined by the NATIONAL BOARD and as published from time to time in the RACING CALENDAR.
39.7.3 The veterinary surgeon administering the vaccination shall record in the HORSE’S or FOAL’S PASSPORT or where a PASSPORT has not been issued, into the vaccination record form, the name of the veterinary surgeon, the name of the HORSE or FOAL vaccinated, the date of vaccination and a description of the vaccine used. In addition, the veterinary surgeon shall, where the vial containing the vaccine carries a detachable label, stick such label into the HORSE’S PASSPORT or into the vaccination record form, as the case may be.
This change is being implemented to ensure compliance with the IFHA International Agreement on Breeding, Racing, and Wagering, as well as the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act of 1982, and to safeguard the health and welfare of equine athletes.
The NHA kindly requests all breeders, spelling farms and relevant personnel to make the necessary arrangements to comply with these updated Rules.
Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact the NHA Veterinary Department at [email protected].
