EFTBA Calls for Emergency Import Licence for ARVAC at Autumn Meeting

The European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders' Association held its series of Autumn Meetings at the John Lambton Rooms, National Horse Racing Museum in Newmarket Nov. 23. A number of matters were discussed at the Autumn Meeting, including the need for an emergency import license for the Equine Viral Arteritis vaccine, known as ARVAC to be granted for Europe's breeding nations. Agreeing to show its support for applications by our country members, the objective is to ensure ARVAC is made available for the start of the 2024 thoroughbred breeding season. EFTBA is calling for the licence to be granted for 2024, with a review later in the year to establish whether the current manufacturing failure will result in the permanent loss of the Artervac vaccine.

“We are doing this on behalf of our European industry which represents 23,000 Thoroughbred breeders in Europe and creates direct and indirect employment for 150,000 people and represents 2.4% of all agricultural output in its multi-billion- euro value to the EU economies,” said EFTBA Chairman Joe Hernon. “This industry has been placed in a situation of significantly increased risk of an EVA incursion, which would have catastrophic consequences, as a result of the manufacturing failure of the hitherto widely used vaccine – Artervac. The granting of an emergency import licence, to

enable ARVAC to be available for the start of the 2024 thoroughbred breeding season, would protect us from this damaging vulnerability.”

Among other matters discussed:

  • EFTBA Country Reports: Regarding the annual collating and presenting of country reports, which gives a statistical insight into status of the European thoroughbred breeding industry, a digital survey would be launched early in 2024. The survey will cover all key areas and be presented at the EFTBA 2024 AGM.
  • EFTBA Promotional Videos Series: Following the production of the inaugural EFTBA promotional video, positive feedback has been received from all quarters. As a result, the EFTBA will produce series of videos for next year and beyond, with each one highlighting key areas of Europe's thoroughbred breeding industry.
  • Plans are also being put in place to update the current EFTBA website to make it more visually appealing, easier to navigate and ultimately a comprehensive information hub for breeders.
  • The TBA successfully launched its Carbon Calculator Tool Project. Plans are being put in place for other European counties to follow suit.
  • An agreement for the extended cooperation between EFTBA and EHN (European Horse Network) on mutually matters of interest to benefit breeders.
  • EFTBA 2024 AGM: The French TBA has offered to host the 2024 AGM of EFTBA next year in Paris during the month of June.

The post EFTBA Calls for Emergency Import Licence for ARVAC at Autumn Meeting appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Archie Watson Runners Out for Two Weeks Following Disease Positive

Trainer Archie Watson's runners will not compete at racecourses for at least two weeks after a horse was found to be positive for Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) antibodies before an intended trip to France.

Watson withdrew a trio of UK runners from races on Saturday and another runner from Southwell on Sunday. Horses infected with the virus are typically asymptomatic, but can display a fever, and conjunctivitis among other symptoms.

“We recently had a horse undergo routine testing for transit to France as part of the new export testing protocols,” Watson said in a statement released on Sunday. “One of these tests revealed the presence of antibodies to EVA (Equine Viral Arteritis). As a result, the relevant bodies, including the BHA, were contacted immediately and we have been taking advice from them.

“The yard is attended daily by our veterinary team and at no point have there been any clinical signs of the disease. Whilst we continue to investigate, the most sensible course of action to safeguard the British racing industry was to stop the movement of horses from my yards as further testing takes place over the next two weeks.

“I would like to thank my staff, veterinarians, and James Given at the BHA for their professionalism and efficiency in managing the situation, and my owners for their understanding and continued support.”

The post Archie Watson Runners Out for Two Weeks Following Disease Positive appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Verified by MonsterInsights