The virus currently raging through Alberta has been identified as; Equine Influenza Virus (the flu) and a concurrent infection with Equine Herpesvirus 2. This virus has hit very hard and very fast. Although there are no known cases of it in BC at this time, I believe it would be naive to think it will not make its way here. The positive news comes from Dr. Jordan Cook who has been on the front line with this in Alberta and reports that horses which received a Flu & Rhino vaccine have been unaffected or got much lighter cases than non vaccinated horses. HRBC is in constant contact with the professionals dealing with this in Alberta as well as coordinating availability of vaccines and will offer updates as they are received.
Kelly MacMillan. President HRBC.