Over-reaction leads to panic in racing circles

The disastrous effects of equine influenza which almost ruined the entire winter season all over the country last year is still fresh in ones memory but even as racing action is set to resume, some turf clubs went on the over drive banning not only the movement of horses from Northern India (most notably from UP) but also visits of professionals to these areas following the letter circulated to the clubs about the outbreak of a dreaded equine fever in army establishments.

However, a clarification form the President of National Horse Breeding Society of India Dr F F Wadia on Friday that the clubs had overreacted to the report of a few deaths of horses in army establishments has come as a great relief to all concerned.

Managing Director of Usha Stud Farm, Ameeta Mehra took up the issue with NHBSI President about the letter sent by Shivlal Daga who is the Secretary of the organization to the clubs about the suspected outbreak of an equine fever. The turf clubs of Hyderabad and Bangalore were quick to issue an advisory.

Ameeta Mehra stated in her letter to NHBSI President that upon receiving many calls from breeders and trainers regarding the fax sent by Daga to race clubs on the above mentioned subject, she had to step in and seek clarifications from the breeders body on the directive of the race clubs. ``The NRCE at Hissar has tested the animals in the breeding station of the Army in Babugarh and has not find evidence of an outbreak of any epidemic. The research centre has communicated to the Animal Husbandry Commissioner, that the samples came negative for any virus or pathogenic disease.However, acting on Daga’s fax, the Hyderabad Race Club had banned movement of trainers and race horse owners to North India until further notice. Ameeta Mehra said that the directive from the clubs was damaging the northern India breeders and this advisory form the club was bound to have a huge impact on the sales and movement of horses.
Shivlal Daga stated in his clarification that he had only advised that till concrete data is available, all incoming horses be tested and isolated on arrival for three to seven days. However some decided to ban movement of trainers / owners to studs. That is their prerogative and I am no one to comment on it, he has explained.

Daga pointed out that Dr. R. K. Singh, Director NRCE has stated that ``there have been many fatalities in the Army Quarantine at Babugarh. NRCE has done post-mortem and tests as it is Government of India quarantine. The tests are negative to viral diseases EIA/EI/EVA/JE. They are also negative to Babesiosis and Trypanosomiasis. The deaths have been mostly due to dehydration. However some heart abnormalities and bacterial infection have been noticed. Investigations are on but the bacterial infection can only be contributive and not causative for death. He has assured that there is no fear of any epidemic. Tests are on for suspected glanders. It will take a week for the results to come out. Since the problems have not surfaced where thoroughbreds are located, there is no need to be anxious about any epidemic affecting equine population. Suspected animals have been isolated. It would be best if panic is not caused and normal trade is carried on, till full info is available, Daga has added.Dr Wadia has since clarified that there had been an over-reaction on the part of some turf clubs and the NHBSI was trying to clear the air of any misgiving.