AHT calls for EI samples
The Animal Health Trust's OIE reference laboratory for Equine Influenza is urging equine veterinary surgeons to take full advantage of their ongoing EI surveillance initiatives, following reports of EI outbreaks in France over the past few weeks.
The outbreaks are linked to horses attending various events held in north-western France, and equine vets are invited to send in samples from horses in which EI might be suspected and, in particular, from animals in yards where there may have been a recent introduction of infection through horses returning from competition events both in the UK and mainland Europe.
In light of the upcoming Olympics, both the AHT and the British Equine Veterinary Association stress the importance of heightened surveillance for the disease, which is potentially one the most infectious and fast-spreading.
The most recent EI activity was seen in France among horses at a FEI event, and there is a suggestion, based on evidence from the RESPE, of vaccination failure.
Details on the AHT's surveillance scheme and how to obtain and submit swabs for free EI testing can be found here.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
