Equine Flu - and Horse racing

Equine Flu

 

Updated 15/02/19   Luckily (or not so we will see what happens at the next 2019 races.) no pandemic 

What it means for the horses

Equine influenza (horse flu) is the disease caused by strains of influenza A that are enzootic in horse species. Equine influenza occurs globally, previously caused by two main strains of virus: equine-1 (H7N7) and equine-2 (H3N8).

Signs of equine flu

• A very high temperature of 39-41C (103-106F) which lasts for one to three days
• A frequent harsh, dry cough that can last for several weeks
• A clear, watery nasal discharge that may become thick and yellow or green
• Enlarged glands under the lower jaw
• Clear discharge from the eyes and redness around eyes
• Depression and loss of appetite
• Filling of the lower limbs 
    
  
  One method of calculating influenza mortality produced an estimate of 41,400 average deaths per year in the United States between 1979 and 2001. Different methods in 2010 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a range from a low of about 3,300 deaths to a high of 49,000 per year
  
  
  Whilst they don't think this is a brand new strain of the virus," . "It is suspected it has undergone a slight change that has allowed it to effectively infect animals who have been vaccinated.
  
  
  In due course there'll be a review of what's gone on – why the vaccines are no longer working – but the viruses [used to develop] this vaccine are 15 years old, so it won't be a complete surprise if we've reached the point where we need to update them."
  

 So in the mean time horse racing will stop and that in its own right will 

save some horses.

Horses are Dying

So how many horses die because of this sport? 

Look at the data on Horse Death Watch Link

30 Horses have died this year and its only February 19 that is shocking so Equine flu will save lives.. 

We know the scourge of Greyhound racing so is Horse Racing an acceptable sport?


Deaths on racecourses are just one part of the sorry story to be told about commercial racing. Animal Aid's extensive research over many years demonstrates that the industry treats thoroughbreds as mere reproducible commodities. It kills or dumps thousands every year when they fail to make the grade or when their racing days are over.
You can read our reports exposing the welfare problems associated with thoroughbred breeding, racing, and training, and the disposal of commercially unproductive stock on our main website: animalaid link

The Stats are horrifying

 Animal aid are saying ;-

Cheltenham Racecourse

More horses have died at Cheltenham Racecourse than any other in Britain. In 2018, ten horses died there, seven of whom were killed during the four-day Cheltenham Festival.

Aintree

The Grand National is a deliberately hazardous race. Since 2000, 28 horses have died on the Grand National course and, over the course of the three-day meeting, 49 horses have been killed in that same period.

Ban the whip!

Horses are the only animals who may be beaten in public for entertainment. Animal Aid has campaigned for many years to ban the whip from racing in Britain. Many jockeys repeatedly misuse the whip because, even when they are found guilty of misconduct, they still keep their riding fees and may not lose their winnings.

Drugs - Yet again we see people doping animals - all to make more money.

 

Horses suffer and Die 

Horses are often on drugs. Drugs, both legal and illegal, are as ubiquitous at the racetrack as silly-looking hats are at Ascot. Horses are often drugged to mask their pain and keep them running when they should be resting or receiving treatment. Recently, for example, trainer Mahmood al-Zarooni was banned from racing for eight years after he doped horses with prohibited steroids at one of the world’s leading racing operations.

We have a voice why not use it sign here Link to petition 

 Ban Greyhound Racing

Vaccinations