HORSE owners have been warned their animals could be banned from the Three Counties Showground in a crackdown following the recent equine flue outbreak.
All horses entering the Malvern site will now have to have been vaccinated within the last six months and within 21 days of the event they are attending.
The flu, which shut down the racing industry for six days and hit Hereford and Ludlow racecourses, is highly contagious and can cause permanent damage to the horse if bot treated.
Three Counties Showground’s Head of shows Diana Walton said the new measures were to help protect horses.
“After taking guidance from our team of equine experts we have decided we have no alternative but to enforce International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) guidelines."
It means that any horse not currently vaccinated will not be allowed to attend events at the showground, including Royal Three Counties Show on June 14-16.
Diana added: “Equine entries will have their passports checked.
“We know how passionate the equine community is about the welfare of its animals and we’re counting on people’s support on this matter.”
The full FEI guidelines can be seen at: www.bef.co.uk/repository/downloads/Riders/AntiDoping/Influenza_Vaccination_Guidelines.pdf
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