Foot-and-mouth doesn't stop horse shows

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Last weekend (4th & 5th August 2007) horse shows throughout the UK went ahead despite the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth in Surrey.

The DEFRA ban on livestock movement does not cover horses, ponies and donkeys, except for those within a 3km distance from the area of infection in Guildford.

Country shows, events, polo matches, dressage and show jumping horse shows continued as planned, but with certain precautions set up to stem any possibility of infection. For example, all horseboxes were made to drive over straw that was soaked in disinfectant and dogs were banned outright from entering any venue.

The British Horse Society director of access, safety and welfare commented: “It is important that all horse owners and riders are vigilant and do everything they can to help prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth, and observe the highest bio security measures on and off their own yards.”

This means that when out horse riding, going to horse shows or transporting your horse or pony, one must take the utmost care not to put yourself, your animals or others at risk of spreading the deadly disease.

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