Studs braced for challenging start to breeding season after equine flu outbreak

With the traditional start date of the thoroughbred breeding season on February 15 only days away, studs across Britain were on Thursday reacting to the news of the equine influenza outbreak.

Among those to introduce more rigorous protocols in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus is Tweenhills Stud in Gloucestershire, which is home to a six-strong roster of stallions including champion three-year-old Roaring Lion, popular reverse shuttler Zoustar and Sussex Stakes hero Lighting Spear.

In a statement released through the stud's website, owner and manager David Redvers said: "On veterinary advice we are now insisting that all mares visiting Tweenhills have received an Equine Influenza booster vaccine within six months of proposed arrival at the stud.

"This includes walk-in mares as well as those boarding at the farm and passports will be checked before mares are allowed to disembark.

"Equine flu symptoms including high temperature, coughing and/or nasal discharge should be immediately reported to your vet and no attempt should be made to move affected animals or those in contact until they are given the all clear."

David Redvers with Tweenhills' reverse shuttler ZoustarCredit: Bill Selwyn / Tweenhills

Despite implementing the stricter protocol for visiting mares, Redvers added that he did not anticipate any negative impact for breeders intending to send horses to Tweenhills.

"I don't think there'll be any disruption at all as we only accept mares who have been vaccinated for equine influenza anyway," he said. "All that we're saying is, on veterinary advice, we'd like mares to be given the booster before they come to Tweenhills.

"What we're all trying to do is stop the spread of equine flu, and as the stud season is starting imminently I want to give people the opportunity to give their mares the vaccine now.

"It's simply just one added precaution to help enable us to carry on operating," said Redvers, who added that he was confident that Tweenhills mares due to visit stallions at other studs would not be inconvenienced.

Batsford Stud in Moreton-in-Marsh, run by father and son Alan and Tim Varey, is another operation stepping up its efforts to control the spread of infection.

In a statement posted on Twitter, the stud said: "In light of the BHA press release regarding equine influenza and upon the advice of our veterinary practice, Batsford Stud are being pro-active and will now require all visiting mares/horses, including walk-ins, to provide, in advance of arrival, a copy of the passport showing that an equine influenza vaccination has been given within six months of the anticipated arrival date.

"All resident horses at Batsford Stud will also be compliant with this protocol."

What we know so far as British racing is cancelled after equine flu outbreak