![]() ![]() However, the overall conclusion is that we should focus on the benefits of health and welfare of the horse rather than the competition regulators. How can we possibly know what is right or wrong for horse welfare, with such conflicting regulations? For example, FEI rules state that horses competing must be vaccinated every six months, whilst outside of this in sports such as racing and Pony Club, it is once a year. ![]() What is confusing and raises opinion, is that all the sport bodies seem to regulate a different frequency. ![]() Many of the drugs still available on the market, are old and it is up to the producers to keep it up to date.” “Flu changes all the time and can become immune to the vaccines. Some responsibility lies with the pharmaceutical companies who produce the vaccine, Dr Campbell states. The question remains at large, who is responsible for ensuring that horses are vaccinated? Is it the vets, the owners, the sports governing bodies? It could have been so much worse and trainers and riders alike were praised for their professionalism and discipline in halting the movement of horses. It made headline news and cost the racing industry between £150m and £200m. All racing and equestrian sport came to a standstill until it was assured to be under control. In the UK, we experienced the fear factor and potential for huge disruption earlier this year, when several racehorses tested positive to equine influenza. They also suffered an outbreak of equine flu in 2007, the industry was shut down for six months and the country was not declared free of the disease until 10 months later. Australia fared even worse with the Hendra virus which killed not only horses but vets and horse owners who came into contact with infected animals. There was an outbreak in Africa, which resulted in the loss of over 100,000 horses and donkeys. It can be debilitating and effect the lungs long term. It affects the respiratory system, leading to fever, coughing and mucous. Speaking on the subject was Dr Madeleine Campbell, a vet and European Diplomate in Animal Welfare Science, Ethic and Law.Įquine flu can be devastating. Esme is working closely with World Horse Welfare to deliver positive messages to a global audience.Įquine Influenza was a key subject of the Conference and it was a shock to learn that only 30 % of British horses are vaccinated. The objective is to help other young equestrians learn more about horses, riding and welfare. The 18 year old amateur rider is working with the FEI and other equine organisations, together with charities, to produce videos on horse care and correct horse practice. YouTube sensation Esme Higgs talked about how she is trying to put this powerful tool to good use. Fake news, incorrect information from “armchair experts” and cyber bullying is a modern day problem. We all know that social media can be a vice and a virtue in the equine world. In the second part of our round-up of the World Horse Welfare Conference, we discuss the importance of communicating the right message, equine flu and the power of social media to educate. ![]()
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