Equine Flu: Owners advised not to import horses to IOM

Sat, 09 Feb 2019

The Chief Veterinary Officer for the Isle of Man Government says its disappointing that more cases of Equine Influenza have now been confirmed in Great Britain.

Alastair Breed has asked owners and trainers not to import horses to the Isle of Man unless necessary.

If horses are to be imported, increased biosecurity will be required to help protect the Isle of Man horse population, until further notice.

Import licenses now contain an additional requirement that is to isolate horses for two weeks following importation.

Six horses have now been diagnosed with the illness this week.

The Animal Health Trust's Head of Disease Surveillance Dr Richard Newton tells Sky Sports News how serious it can be: