A COLLEGE has locked down its horse centre following an equine flu outbreak.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) cancelled all race meetings at British racecourses last week.

The decision came after the Animal Health Trust confirmed three positives tests from vaccinated horses in an active racing yard.

Coleg Cambria’s Northop Equine Centre released a statement over the weekend explaining how the ongoing problem affected its activities.

A spokesman explained: “I am sure you have all seen on the news there has been an outbreak of equine flu around the country.

“All UK racing has been suspended until at least next week at the earliest. “After consultation with our vet this morning, we have vaccinated all horses that have not had a flu booster in the past six months.

“The equine centre will also be closing immediately to external competitions and no horses will be leaving and re-entering the yard to go competing until further notice.

“I hope you appreciate that we are just doing our best to safeguard our horses, and ensuring that our students are able to undertake their upcoming assessments.

“Please, if you are visiting the centre, do not come in clothes that have had contact with other horses, and obviously hand hygiene is of upmost importance.

“Thank you for you patience, and we are sorry for any inconvenience caused.”

The action to cancel Thursday’s races was taken with unanimous support of the BHA’s industry veterinary committee and will affect meetings at Huntingdon, Doncaster, Ffos Las and Chelmsford.

Equine influenza is a highly infectious disease of horses, mules and donkeys. Symptoms in non–immune animals include high fever, coughing and nasal discharge.