FEI flu vaccination rules

All horses entering FEI competitions must be vaccinated against equine influenza (flu). Every horse's passport is checked at events to ensure that the horse has been vaccinated according to the FEI Veterinary Regulations. All vaccinations must be administered by a licensed vet.

Vaccination schedule

Your horse's vaccination schedule against equine influenza will look like this... 

First Vaccination                           Day 0                    (e.g. 1 March 2014)

Second Vaccination                      21 - 92 days        (e.g. 1 April 2014)

First Booster                                   Within seven months of second vaccination of the primary course (e.g. 1 October 2014).

Subsequent boosters                   Minimum within one year of previous booster vaccination

Booster if competing                   Within six months + 21 days (and not within seven clear days) of before arrival at a competition

Frequently asked questions

 

Can my equine compete after the first flu vaccination?

No. Equines who have only received the first vaccination of the primary course aren’t allowed to compete or enter the FEI stables at an event.

Can my equine compete after the second vaccination?

Equines who have received the primary course (i.e first and second vaccinations) can compete, provided the vaccine hasn’t been given within seven days of arriving at an event venue.

My equine had its primary course before 2005. Is there a different rule for the first booster?

Yes. Equines who received their primary course before 2005 are exempt from the first booster requirement within seven months. Subsequent boosters are to be given at intervals of no later than one calendar year after the primary course. Equines must still have had a vaccination within six months and 21 days on the day of arrival at the event.

When can my equine compete following a flu vaccination?

Equines can compete for up to six months +21 days after the second vaccination of the primary course. However, they can’t compete if they have been vaccinated within seven days of arriving at an event venue.

Equines who have received the primary course can compete provided that the vaccine has not been given within seven days of arriving at an event venue.

Will an FEI Recognition Card (RC) be issued if there are any irregularities with the flu vaccinations? 

No. Vaccinations must be correctly identified in the passport for an FEI RC to be issued.

What are the minimum vaccinations needed for a RC to be issued?

An FEI RC will be issued if the equine has had the first and second vaccinations of the primary course correctly administered. Unfortunately, a FEI RC cannot be issued if there are any irregularities with the diagram page or vaccinations.  Contact British Equestrian on 02475 313 433 if you require clarification.

Whose responsibility is it to ensure the equine is vaccinated according to FEI Veterinary Regulations?

It’s responsibility of the Person Responsible (PR) for the equine to ensure that their equine has been vaccinated according to the FEI Veterinary Regulations. Sanctions can be given at events for any irregularities or not entering details of equine influenza vaccinations in the equine’s passport.

What are the sanctions given for vaccination irregularities?

Sanctions may be given by the Ground Jury to PRs whose equines don’t comply with the FEI’s vaccination requirements. PRs may be issued with a fine, ineligibility to compete or disqualification from the event. A full list of sanctions can be found in Annex VI of the FEI Veterinary Regulations, which can be found below. 

FEI Veterinary Regulations. 

What does my vet put for a long vaccination history if I have been issued with a duplicate passport?

Where vaccination details are to be recorded into duplicate FEI RCs, the following statement can be used: "The vaccination history of this equine is correct to date. Last vaccination on 00/00/00 (date).” The statement must be signed, stamped and dated by a licensed vet.

Where can I find more information out about FEI’s flu vaccination policy?

You can find information on the FEI website here.