Equine influenza & risk

[MissTyc]

So there has been a confirmed case of equine flu just down the road from me + they are testing around 8 horses at nearby yards (not sure if on same yard or "nearby" to outbreak yards).

Our yard contains a mixture of competition horses and leisure horses inc some companions.

Livery A who does not vaccinate her (3) horses has had a blazing row with Livery B who competes (and vaccinates).

Livery A says if Livery B "bring back the flu" from a competition and infect the horses of Livery A, then Livery B will be at fault because it was a known risk that was pointed out to her in advance?

Livery B is not the only rider who competes. On the contrary there are pony club kids, hunters, etc ... Surely the decision to not vaccinate is the determining risk factor here, not the decision to compete? It's not like we're (as far as we know) seeing a big uncontrolled outbreak. Obviously it would be silly to rub noses with unfamiliar horses, but basic biosecurity is something we are all aware of after local Strangles outbreaks anyway.

Be grateful for any thoughts, and will share this thread on our livery yard's Facebook page, so all the liveries can have a look at what "other people" not involved in the argument think. Opinions from both sides welcome, I am trying to remain open-minded!

 

[Auslander]

My personal feeling is that if you keep your horses on a yard where other horses leave the premises, that it is negligent not to vaccinate against flu.

I vaccinate all mine against Flu and Tet, even though its my own privately rented place, and none of them go anywhere, just to be on the safe side.

 

[fatpiggy]

If you choose not to vaccinate,that is your gamble. You cannot then dictate to others who do vaccinate and go out and about. Someone is just as likely to bring the virus in on their clothes having simply attended a show or touched a horse in a field if out for a walk like I was yesterday. The vaccination doesn't stop a horse from catching flu, it simply lessens its effect. Viruses mutate several times a day, no injection could possibly stop every possible variation.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

IMHO Livery A is being very small minded.
She has chosen to keep her equines on a livery yard & not to have them vaccinated for flu. Of course that is her choice
However, Livery A should not dictate to others how they manage their horses, only the YO should do this.
Livery A should perhaps look at keeping hers somewhere else where they will not ever come into contact with other equines

To be honest, I am very surprised that the YO has not insisted on vacc's being done, most usually do!

 

[MissTyc]

You're all echoing my thoughts ... it seems ludicrous to me, but I was worried I was set in my own mind and not seeing the bigger picture. I am thinking there is something more going on between Livery A and B and this has turned into a convenient point of argument!

 

[Arizahn]

You're all echoing my thoughts ... it seems ludicrous to me, but I was worried I was set in my own mind and not seeing the bigger picture. I am thinking there is something more going on between Livery A and B and this has turned into a convenient point of argument!

Probably this tbh. I'd keep out of it.

 

[glinda]

IMO by not vaccinating your horses then its you that is being irresponsible not anybody else for taking their horses out competing. (I don't mean you OP just you in general)

Livery A should take responsibility and vaccinate….. and the yard owner should insist on it !!