Given the shortage of vaccines in Europe due to supply problems from one of the main producers of equine influenza vaccines, the Council of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has decided extending booster intervals from 6 to 12 months, in combination with increased disease surveillanceand higher level of biosecurity, from 1 October 2022 to 1 April 2023.
During this period, horses will be able to participate in FEI competitions with the last vaccine booster performed within a period of the last 12 months, provided this is not within the seven days prior to arrival at the event. The rest of the vaccination requirements remain in effect under Article 1003 of the FEI Veterinary Regulations.
To complete the surveillance of the disease, it was also decided to extend Article 1029.7 of the Regulation, which refers to EHV-1 tests in febrile horses, to tests for equine influenza.
“Middle-aged equines that are at least six years old and have been regularly vaccinated are considered to be better protected due to a longer vaccination history. The group agreed that a Temporarily extending the booster intervals would not put the FEI equine population at risk of developing the disease“.
“Extension is only a temporary solution and is only possible because FEI horses are well protected after being vaccinated every six to twelve months, often for many years. We will return to the six month booster interval as soon as vaccine availability returns to normal. ”
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