Category: Uncategorized

The following update was released today by GCGC in dealing with the requirements of unvaccinated or partially vaccinated members effective Friday, December 10, 2021:

“By way of an update, and given that the horse people are present at the Racetrack site on an extremely frequent basis during the racing and training season, the Company will require horse people who are unvaccinated against COVID-19, partially vaccinated awaiting a second dose appointment, and those with an approved medical exemption in written form from a physician or qualified medical professional, and those with an approved religious exemption in written form from a certified faith leader, to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid test twice a week (spaced a minimum of 72 hours apart) on an ongoing basis, as a continued condition of entry at the racetrack site and stable area security entrance”.

On Friday, December 3, 2021, the board of HRBC discussed the ongoing equine influenza virus that has severely impacted the health and welfare of the Alberta horse population. It was agreed that HRBC needs to take steps in BC to protect the standardbred population as best as we can, so we don’t suffer a similar outcome. With that in mind, the board voted unanimously to move forward with a campaign to fund the administration of the flu & rhino vaccine along with the booster. Once completed please submit the costs of the two shots to the HRBC office for reimbursement of the associated costs.

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.