Merial Helps The Horse Trust With New Vaccination Policy

Merial Animal Health has teamed up with The Horse Trust to implement an equine flu vaccination programme using PROTEQFLU® for all residents at the charity in Speen, Buckinghamshire. The Horse Trust previously only vaccinated those horses that were likely to travel, but Marketing Manager Susan Lewis explains that the risks of equine influenza are increasing for the charity: “The sanctuary is visited by many people, particularly those that own or work with horses, and also has the benefit of the support of a large team of horse-owning volunteers which in turn creates a greater risk of infection whether our horses travel or not. Vaccinating our horses against life threatening diseases such as tetanus, and diseases that can severely affect their health such as equine influenza will not only protect our herd but also reduce the risk or spread of these diseases.” Dr Emma Batson from Merial Animal Health says: “Currently only approximately a third of the equine population is vaccinated against equine influenza and the threat of this disease is grossly underestimated: an outbreak could have a huge impact on the UK equestrian industry. We would like every horse to be vaccinated with a vaccine containing an updated strain and so we are pleased to support The Horse Trust with this vaccination programme and provide PROTEQFLU® and PROTEQFLU-TE® to ensure the residents are as fully protected as possible.” PROTEQFLU® and PROTEQFLU-TE® is the ONLY equine flu vaccine in the UK to contain a recently updated strain of equine flu virus. Unlike traditional inactivated flu vaccines, PROTEQFLU® also utilises advanced vector technology to generate a strong immune response.   For The Horse Trust, both equine influenza and tetanus are a higher risk than at traditional livery yards, due to the nature of the cases taken on by the charity: “The Horse Trust supports prosecuting bodies, such as Trading Standards and the RSPCA, with the provision of sanctuary for those unfortunate horses, ponies and donkeys that are abused and neglected and in need of urgent veterinary care,” explains Susan Lewis.   “All horses are at risk of flu and tetanus infection but rescue horses are potentially more at risk than other horses that are better cared for. Rescue horses are often severely debilitated and therefore may have compromised immunity which, in the face of a challenge, will render them more vulnerable to infection. Similarly, rescue horses may also have open sores or even wounds that would predispose to tetanus infection in the absence of protection.” The Horse Trust was advised by its veterinary trustee, Julian Samuelson MA, VETMB, MRCVS who is a Managing Partner of Bell Equine, Kent to switch to PROTEQFLU® and this was supported by veterinary surgeon Tony Collins BVSc, MRCVS, Partner at Hall Place Veterinary Centre, Maidenhead, Berkshire.     Julian Samuelson says: “PROTEQFLU® is the vaccine that my clinic has extensive experience with and thus we have confidence in its performance for all types of horses. Unique vaccine technology is used, which stimulates the immune system mimicking natural infection. It has the most up to date viral strains of all the UK vaccines and is the only one with the Ohio/03 American viral strain as recommended by the World Animal Health Organisation. Simply, we chose PROTEQFLU® for its excellent efficacy profile.” The Horse Trust, founded in 1886, is the oldest horse charity in the UK and provides a place of retreat for working horses that have served their country or community and nurtures them throughout their final years. The charity also gives sanctuary to horses, ponies and donkeys that have suffered and need special treatment. The Horse Trust funds non-invasive research that advances knowledge of equine diseases, improving diagnosis and treatment and reducing suffering among equines worldwide. The charity also offers training for professionals and owners, with a focus on equine welfare and quality of life assessment. To find out more about PROTEQFLU® contact the Merial Equine team for more information on 0870 6000 123.

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