ORGANISERS of a historic agricultural show have announced mandatory vaccinations for equine flu will be required for any horses and donkeys entering this year’s event.
Eggleston Agricultural Show, which takes place on Saturday, September 21, at Hayberries, Mickleton, has taken the measure following an increase in the number of confirmed cases of Equine influenza in the northern region.
Show secretary Alan Gent said the committee had taken the decision to adopt similar rules to Bowes Show that will require all entrants to any of the 77 horse, pony and donkey classes to produce passports to limit the spread of the disease.
Mr Gent added: “Our schedules were produced before the latest outbreak took hold and we hoped that the regulation did not have to be enforced.”
All horse and pony entrants will be required to produce passports to ensure animals comply with regulations regarding equine flu. The passports will be checked before unloading to ensure that the 12-month boosters are up to date.
Any animals which do not comply will be refused entry and no refunds will be given. The closing date for entries for Eggleston Show is September 11.
There have been 219 confirmed cases of equine flu this year compared to two in 2018. Last month three confirmed cases were reported in County Durham. All three animals were not vaccinated.
Such is the concern for the welfare of all entrants, Bowes Show committee has clarified its earlier statement regarding vaccinations after taking advice from a vet. The minimum requirement is all horses, ponies and donkeys must have completed their initial three vaccinations as minimum. Boosters thereafter can be at annual intervals.
