Hunter Valley breeders take on the Hendra virus threat

Following the death of an unvaccinated mare in the Hunter Valley of NSW last month, all the major Hunter Valley thoroughbred studs have taken a unified stance against the Hendra virus.

Arrowfield, Aquis Farm, Coolmore, Darley, Kingstar, Kitchwin Hills, Newgate, Vinery, Yarraman Park.

The stallion farms listed above have assessed the risks posed to both human and horse health and revised their protocols for the 2019 breeding season.

The farms have agreed on a unified policy whereby they will not accept mares to be served in the 2019 or subsequent breeding seasons that are not vaccinated against Hendra virus.

This protocol will be applicable to all horses visiting the farms, irrespective of their origin. For further information on this policy, all interested parties are requested to contact the individual stallion farms.

In addition to the stallion farms listed above, the following broodmare farms have communicated that they have vaccinated or are in the process of vaccinating all their resident horses prior to the commencement of the 2019 breeding season:

Amarina, Bhima, Cressfield, Edinburgh, Kia-Ora, Gooree, Glastonbury, Lime Country, Luskin Park, Milburn Creek, Riversdale, Toolooganvale, Tyreel, Valiant, Willow Park.

The QRIC applauds these studs for taking these sensible steps to protect themselves from the threat of this virus.

The QRIC wishes to remind all racehorse participants to follow good horse biosecurity practices and to speak to their veterinarian about vaccinating the horses in their care against Hendra virus.

Following these steps will protect horses, staff and businesses from this deadly disease.

Vaccination remains the single-most effective Hendra virus prevention method.

ENDS