British Riding Clubs (BRC) is introducing new rules in 2020 regarding Flu Vaccines. From 1 March 2020 it will become mandatory when competing at Area Qualifers and Championships to have a flu vaccination within 6 month and 21 days of the competition. This does not mean vaccinations need to be done every 6 months; it means that the vaccination needs to be within 6 months and 21 days of the competition. For example, if your competition was the 22 September, you would need to have a vaccination after the 1 March (1 March - 1 September = 6months + 21 days = 22 September).
Local clubs remain autonomous and can decide what they will require for their own training and events. So for us, ORC has decided to introduce a policy of requiring an ANNUAL Flu vaccination for all horses and ponies that attend our events in the future. We realise that not all equines will currently have full cover – so for this year we are asking that they have at least started their vaccinations before coming to any ORC run events. You will need to bring proof that the course has started so make sure it’s recorded in their passports, or you can copy / take a photo of the relevant page and send in by email / fb message beforehand.
For horses travelling south, most events now insist on the six monthly vaccine, so ORC strongly recommends the six monthly booster for any horses travelling outwith Orkney.
We realise this is an extra added expense, however there is currently an Equine Vaccine Amnesty on offer where any horse getting their 1st vaccination in January or February, get the 2nd vaccine free. So this is a good time to contact your vets to arrange starting the course. Flett & Carmichael and Northvet are both taking part in the Amnesty.
This also seems a good time to remind everyone about ORC’s QUARANTINE rule regarding NEW horses into the county. All new horses must have undertaken a minimum of 14 days quarantine before coming to any ORC events. This also includes any horses that the new animal has come into contact with in the said first 14 days. As was proved last year, Quarantine, Isolation and good Bio Security measures, prevented a contagious disease from spreading any further.
If you have any questions regarding ORC’s rules/guidelines please ask, and your Vets will be able to give the best advice on vaccines etc.