WIRHOA to the RWITC

WIRHOA has written a series of letters to the RWITC Committee on various issues affecting the Owners in general, the wellbeing of the horses, the EI outbreak, Stables & Syce Quarters' renovation, etc.

 

In the letters, we have informed the RWITC Committee about the many meetings of the EI Core Group and it's progress. We also informed them that at our recent meeting, all owners were agitated and disappointed with the lack of support and participation from the RWITC Committee members in the EI outbreak. After the resignation of Capt. Jamshed Appoo from the EI Core Group, who did not attend a single meeting, the RWITC Committee has not yet nominated any of it's members to participate in the EI Core Group. We have even at this late stage, asked the RWITC Committee for at least 2 members to join the Core Group. On this matter, we also informed them of the appointment by WIRHOA of Dr. Hasneyn Mirza to assist the Owners and Trainers in the EI outbreak and the nomination of Mr. Shiven Surendranath as a member of the EI Core Group.

 

Further, we have once again informed the RWITC Committee about the unanimous view of the Owners that all the Indian Classics and the Graded races to be run at Mumbai must not be cancelled. They may however, be postponed to a later suitable date. This representation was made to the RWITC Committee earlier too, but we have failed to get any definite assurance from them on this matter. It remains to be seen if the Owners' voice is heard inside the four walls of the RWITC Committee room.

 

On the BTF reimbursement issue, while thanking them for the decision for 50% reimbursement and pointing out that the club is showing a profit as seen in the latest Profit & Loss A/c, we have informed them that the Owners at our last meeting unanimously felt that the RWITC Committee must give a 100% reimbursement of not only BTF but also the Oats Surcharge. It was once again pointed out to them that the Owners have stood by the club in difficult times when they willingly agreed to bear the burden of stable rent, water & electricity charges, one time levy for 2 year olds, non-refund of entry fees, etc.

 

Next, way back in April, WIRHOA Committee had met the RWITC Committee and expressed the need for upgradation/repairs of the stables and syce quarters. At the time, the RWITC Committee had sanctioned a small amount for this but immediately agreed in principle to sanction a sizable amount for this purpose. They had requested WIRHOA to submit concrete plans and estimates for the job. These plans and estimates have been given to the RWITC Committee and we now wait for their plan of action.

 

Lastly, we have requested the RWITC Committee to organize and encourage Seminars on Equine diseases such as requested by the Indian Association of Equine Practitioners vide their letter dated 16^th July 08 especially as outbreaks of Equine Herpes(more on Equine Herpes to be posted on this site soon) can be expected and serious Equine diseases such as Nipah virus, Hendra virus have already struck in other parts of the world. 

 

 

WIRHOA Meeting

Dear Owners,

 

We have scheduled a meeting for all Owners on Saturday, 22nd November 2008 at 5.00pm in the WIRHOA lounge located at the Members' Enclosure, Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai.

 

You are requested to kindly attend.

 

Minutes of the EI Core Group Meeting held on 15-11-08 in Pune. (Part One)

 

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE CORE GROUP CONSTITUTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE EQUINE INFLUENZA HELD AT 11.30 A.M.  ON SATURDAY, 15^TH NOVEMBER 2008, IN THE VICTORIA ROOM, TURF CLUB HOUSE, PUNE:

 

Present:-

 

Mr Shivlal Daga                     –          Chairman, Co-ordination Committee, TAI

Diwan Arun Nanda                –          representative of WIRHOA Ltd

Mr NHS Mani                       -           Deputy Secretary, RWITC Ltd

Dr D Swaminathan                 -           Senior Veterinary Officer, RWITC Ltd

Mr. Pesi Shroff                       -           representative of WITA Ltd

Dr Anil Kumar                        -           representative of WITA Ltd

           

Also present:-

 

            Mr Adil Dajee                                     Mr Robert D'Mellow

            Ms Arti Doctor                                   Mr Jayantilal K Gor

            Mr Altaf Hussain                                Mr M K Jadhav          

            Mr Sangramsingh N Joshi                   Mr Vijay Kasbekar

            Mr C D Katrak                                    Mr Rehanullah Khan  

            Mr Narendra Lagad                            Mrs Nina M Lalvani

            Mr Sandeep Mangalorkar                   Mr Nana Raghunath                          

Mr Imtiaz A Sait                                 Mr Nosher Cama

            Mr Asad Siddiqui                               Mr Bharat Singh

            Mr Himmat Singh                               Mr Subhag Singh

            Mr Zadmal Singh                                Mr S K Sunderji

            Mr Vinayak                                         Mr K Ganapathy

           

 

At the outset, Mr Arun Nanda welcomed the Trainers to the meeting.

 

Mr Nanda stated that the Core Group has requested Mr Shivlal Daga to address the trainers in his capacity as Chairman, Co-ordination Committee, Turf Authorities of India and share his knowledge and expertise with the trainers in connection with the Equine Influenza. Mr Nanda also stated that Mr Daga is also on the Board of the National Research Center on Equines, Hissar.

 

Mr Nanda thereafter narrated the background of the matter. He stated that as suggested by the owners at the meeting which the owners and trainers had with the Committee of the Club on 3^rd November 2008, the Committee of the Club decided to constitute a Core Group in connection with the Equine Influenza, comprising of two members from the Club, WIRHOA Ltd and WITA Ltd. Whilst the Committee of the Club had nominated Capt Jamshed Appoo and Mr Zavaray S Poonawalla to serve on the Core Group, the WIRHOA Ltd nominated Mr Geoffrey Nagpal and himself (Mr Nanda) and WITA Ltd nominated Mr Pesi Shroff and Dr Anil Kumar. He also stated that the WIRHOA Ltd had requested for induction of two additional representatives viz. Mr Suresh Advani and Mr Shiven Surendranath in the Core Group which request was before the Committee of the Club for its consideration. He also stated that subsequently, Capt Jamshed Appoo has resigned from the Core Group which resignation was before the Committee of the Club for its consideration.

 

 

Mr Nanda stated that since Mr Zavaray S Poonawalla and Mr Geoffrey Nagpal were  out of the country they could not attend this meeting and they were given leave of absence from the meeting. Mr Nanda also stated that Mr Gautam Lala who was also to attend this meeting, as a representative of WIRHOA Ltd, in the absence of Mr Geoffrey Nagpal, was unable to do so.

 

Mr Nanda further stated that the Core Group met in Mumbai on 11^th November 2008 and Mr Daga was invited to attend the said meeting. The Core Group at the said meeting considered the matter in great detail and went through all the information and data available. The Core Group also heard Mr Daga in detail wherein Mr Daga expressed his opinion based on papers he has studied and advice he has received. The Core Group also heard Dr Swaminathan in detail at the said meeting.

 

Mr Nanda went on to say that the Core Group having deliberated upon in great detail decided to give an advisory note to the trainers. This advisory note was prepared on the basis of the guidelines for control of Equine Influenza issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries dated 31^st October 2008 and also the input from the Core Group including the opinion of Mr Daga, Dr Swaminathan and Mr Pesi Shroff as also the information received from the other sources. This advisory note was circulated to all the trainers this morning.

 

Mr Nanda further stated that Dr Swaminathan has given clinical symptoms data for the period 3^rd November 2008 to 15^th November 2008 wherein the figures of fever cases, cough and nasal discharge were rapidly declining. He stated that as per the data prepared by Dr Swaminathan based on the information provided to him by the trainers, there were 124 horses  who were unaffected by the Equine Influenza (Annexure 'A').

 

Before going into the matter further, Mr Nanda requested Mr Daga to address the Trainers.

 

At the outset, Mr Daga thanked the Core Group for inviting him to address the trainers in this regard. He stated that he was not an expert and that he was only an expert layman. He stated that he had studied a lot of documents and had tried to gather a lot of information and knowledge by interacting with people who had knowledge in this regard. He further stated that he happens to be a Member of the scientific body i.e. the National Research Centre on Equines, Hissar. He went on to add that he would give his opinion in a lay man's terms.

 

Mr Daga stated that there appears to be a misconception that the Equine Influenza was going on for months and no action was taken in this regard. Equine Influenza cannot and was not a disease which was selective. Whatever may have been the disease/cause for fever cases reported at Race Course and Studs earlier than third week of October 2008 it certainly was not Equine Influenza because there was no cough, and / or nasal discharge and the cases were sporadic. If it was Equine Influenza then all horses would have got it like at present and not selective cases spread over months. Further most of those horses also had got sick again now. He added that any vaccination would have helped only 60% to 70% horses as even some of the vaccinated horses were affected by the Equine Influenza and thus vaccination would have not prevented the epidemic.

 

Mr Daga added that the NRCE has isolated Equine Influenza virus Sub-type-2 from affected equines at Katra in Jammu and Kashmir and the samples received from the other states were under process. He also mentioned that the immunogenicity of new strain was yet to be studied. The immunogenicity of strains may vary if a variant strain affects the equines in new outbreak. It was expected that Subtype-2 vaccine which was being prepared by NRCE on an experimental basis may give protection to healthy and uninfected horses against this infection in future. Any subtype-2 vaccine available in market may also be helpful.

 

Mr Daga went on to say that whilst NRCE was developing a vaccine, they would not manufacture the same and they would only give the technical knowhow for preparation of the vaccine.

 

Addressing the question as to whether any forewarning would have helped, Mr Daga stated that in Europe and USA all the horses are mandatorily vaccinated periodically and yet Equine Influenza is endemic in these countries. He stated that there is no protocol which would give 100% help in future. He added that last time when Influenza occurred there were over 80000 equidae deaths. He stated that in the present outbreak many States were hiding the facts.

 

Mr Daga stated that as per his information some of the army mules which went to Vaishnodevi Temple with VVIPs were affected by Equine Influenza and this spread to Army Studs, 61 Cavalry and Nicholson Range and so on. It is probable that this disease has come to Pune with the Marwari horses that came for the Youth Games as the Rajasthani syces may have had contact with their brethren working at Pune. However, this is only a surmise. He stated that the movement of army horses including polo horses was totally banned. According to his information, 99% of the disease was spread by people rather than any other way. It can spread through syces, veterinarians, trainers and so on who fail to carry out proper disinfection. He stated that equipment was also carrier of the virus.

 

Mr Daga further stated that looking at the present scenario, he personally believes that the horses at the Pune Race Course have, by now, got over the problem.

 

Mr Daga stated that once six to eight weeks from the first sign of Equine Flu is over the affected horses would not be shedders of the virus so as to contaminate non-affected horses.

 

Mr Daga further added that the position at various stud farms was officially not known though he has personal knowledge about many in and around Pune. He stated that NRCE had not yet given the details of the virus involved in the outbreak of Equine Influenza at RWITC Ltd. He however reiterated that Subtype-2 virus was involved in the outbreak at Katra in Jammu and Kashmir and therefore it could be safely presumed that the same virus would have caused the outbreak in RWITC Ltd as well as it would be farfetched that another type had come to Pune.

 

Mr Daga stated that the Core Group had met about four days ago and taken into consideration the input from Dr Swaminathan and Mr Pesi Shroff as well and formulated an advisory to the trainers incorporating therein the guidelines given by the Ministry of Agriculture as also taken details from various publications and people who were familiar with the manner in which the situation in Australia was dealt with. The Core Group also decided to explore the possibilities of having vehicles dips in the stable area at the Mumbai and Pune Race Courses. Mr Daga stated that he would take up the matter regarding making dips at Mumbai and Pune at the Committee Meeting to be held on 17^th November 2008. Mr Daga however stated that he and Dr Swaminathan had observed that the horses were reluctant to walk through the dip which was created in the isolation stables at Mumbai Race Course and they always tend to jump over it. Secondly, there may be lack of space in Pune for making dips. He added that the purpose of creating dips was that all vehicles and horses should pass through the dips in order to reduce the chances of infection of any sort.

 

Mr Daga further stated that the Core Group has also decided that the proposal for sanitation and disinfection suggested by Bio-Corp Ltd as contained in the advisory should be implemented forthwith. He stated that Mr Pesi Shroff, Mr. Vinayak and Mr. Subhag Singh have already been disinfecting their stables and they have found no ill effect on horses as a result of such a disinfection. Mr Daga stated that the stable area at the Mumbai Race Course would also be disinfected. He advised the trainers that all of them should agree and co-operate for disinfection of their stable whereby possible secondary bacterial infection could be prevented to an extent as such disinfection would reduce the bacteria load in the stable area.

Minutes of the EI Core Group Meeting held on 15-11-08 in Pune. (Part Two)

With regard to starting work for horses at the Pune Race Course, Mr Daga stated that those horses which have not suffered from Equine Influenza anytime after 21^st October 2008 can start trotting for 3 to 5 minutes with immediate effect under the supervision of a Panel of Veterinarians appointed by the Club. Such horses will be checked by the Panel of Veterinarians before they go to trot. After coming back from the trot the Panel of Vets will again check these horses with Stethoscope (not endoscope) especially to ascertain whether the lungs were showing any abnormality. If there is anything wrong with any horse, then such horses would not be permitted to trot. Mr Daga pointed that it may be possible that the stress as a result of trotting may cause some of these horses showing up any latent Equine Influenza or fever. Those horses who have completed four clear weeks of rest after relief of suffering from Equine Influenza can be trotted for 3 to 5 minutes. Thus horses would start work in batches and each batch would be checked for first three days. No horse would be permitted to work without clearance from the Panel of Vets appointed for the purpose. He stated that by 15^th December 2008 or so the movement of non-affected/completely recovered horses to Mumbai could commence. 

 

Mr Daga stated that there was misunderstanding amongst some people that there was a ban on training of horses and movement between Pune and Mumbai. He clarified that there was no such ban imposed by the Government on training and movement between Pune and Mumbai. The only ban imposed was to stop interstate movements in order to stop infection being spread from one State to another. Before concluding Mr Daga stated that if any of the trainers are desirous of contacting him any time for any information/guidance in this regard, they may feel free to do so and he would provide them with whatever information he has in this regard.

 

Mr Nanda  raised the need to  start working horses who have either not been affected by Equine Influenza (124 horses) or those who have been infection free for over four weeks at the Pune Race Course. One of the trainers mentioned that there appear to be cases of lung abscess and therefore more time be given to the horses before start working. A discussion took place when Dr Swaminathan mentioned that first of all he would recheck with the trainers concerned to ensure that the supposedly immune 124 horses were not affected by even mild Equine Influenza. He stated that all those horses not affected will have to undergo auscultation before trotting and if there was any abnormality found in the lungs they would have to undergo ultrasonography.  If there was anything wrong with any horse, then such horse would not be permitted to trot till he showed improvement. Similarly, after coming back from the trot the horses would have to undergo again auscultation and if there was any abnormality found in the lungs, they would have to undergo ultrasonography. If there was anything wrong found with any horse, then such horse would not be permitted to trot.

 

Responding to the alleged lung abscess, Dr Swaminathan stated that interstitial Pneumonia is the common sequelae of the Equine Influenza. The damage of the alveoli of the lungs (Fluid patches) are often going to be misdiagnosed as lung abscess. Hence Diagnosis of Lung abscess is to be made by coordinating the findings of the Ultrasonography, Blood picture and clinical condition of the horse all taken together since lung abscess is a life threatening condition and prognosis is grave for that horse racing also. 

 

On a suggestion from Trainers, Mr. Nanda agreed that the blood picture of all those 124 horses (non-infected so far) would be taken by the Club before they start working.

 

Mr. Nanda clarified that the four weeks rest period mandatory before the start of work of any horses was the minimum period recommended and it was left to individual trainers to decide when to start working their horses dependent on the horses' condition, recovery from the illness, etc. 

 

One of the trainers stated that it was the general feeling amongst various trainers that they do not want to start work and they believe that the 4 weeks should be after the last case reported otherwise there may be cases of relapse.

 

Mr Nanda reiterated that the 4 weeks period was only a guideline and eventually the trainers would have to take a decision whether to start to work and if so when to start work based on the fitness of each horse. However, no horse would be permitted to work before completion of the 4 weeks recovery period. However, all horses could not wait for four weeks till last case improves. Horses which had not been sick or had got over it fast had already started acting up without exercise and one had to be hospitalized with serious injury.

 

Mr Daga stated that the horses which were already affected would not get Equine Influenza again for the next six months. However, secondary infection of bacteria could occur as immunity had been lowered. Further it would be for each trainer to come forward and ask the Senior Veterinary Officer of the Club for permission to work based on the condition of his horse.

 

One of the Trainers suggested that the Club should consider including Private Veterinarians also in the Panel. Mr Nanda agreed with the suggestion and stated that the Core Group would use its good offices in getting the Private Veterinarians to assist the Club's vets in checking horses going to and coming back from work.

 

One of the Trainers asked why no private veterinarian was called for this meeting. Mr Nanda stated that the Core Group had decided to hold this meeting only with the trainers.

 

The Senior Veterinary Officer stated that he was interacting with the Private Veterinarians on a regular basis on this matter.

 

Dr Anil Kumar sought to know whether the working of horses suggested was a trial or progressive measure. Mr Nanda replied that it was suggested as a progressive measure.

 

Mr Daga reiterated that those horses who start trot would be checked before and after for atleast three days and those who show any problem would not be permitted to trot till improvement.

 

One of the Trainers suggested that the 124 horses which were not affected be shifted to Mumbai immediately. Some of the other trainers did not agree with the suggestion. Mr Daga mentioned that if even one of these horses after coming to Mumbai showed up with latent Equine Influenza or fever, then there would be a big problem. It was best that any stress induced problem be found out at Pune and sooner rather than later so that long term planning can be undertaken.

 

A discussion took place regarding the start of the Mumbai Racing Season, at which time Mr Nanda stated that the Core Group has nothing to do with the start of racing. The mandate of the Core Group was to take measures to overcome the present situation and ensure the wellbeing of horses. The commencement of Racing Season at Mumbai was a decision to be taken by the RWITC Ltd. Committee.

 

A discussion took place after which it was decided that all the non-affected horses would go for trot starting from Monday, 24^th November 2008 after completion of blood tests by the Club.   All the trainers agreed to this date. It was made clear to the trainers that what was mentioned in the advisory note are only guidelines to surmount the problem and the final decision of when to work their horses, was the individual decision of each trainer.

 

The Trainers suggested that those trainers who shift their horses late to Mumbai may be provided the facilities of tracks, etc. at Pune. Mr. Nanda agreed to ensure this was implemented and that track facilities would be made available at Pune.

 

One of the trainers stated that the forfeits for Indian Classics were on and since the commencement of the Mumbai Racing Season 2008-09 was deferred, no forfeit be debited until a final decision on the commencement of Mumbai Racing Season 2008-09 was taken. It was decided to refer this matter to the Committee of the Club.

 

Mr. Nanda informed that new saddle cloths with new numbers in a different colour would  be given to  all horses as they start working in Pune When the horses shift to Mumbai the old saddle number would come back. This is to ensure that only those horses who are cleared by the panel of Vets are allowed to work.

 

In summary:-

 

1.                  Disinfection of the Pune stables to start from 17^th November 2008 until 22^nd November 2008, which would continue as per schedule given by the Senior Veterinary Officer.

 

2.                  Horses could start trotting from 24^th November 2008 after the following:-

 

(a)                Trainers to decide when to start working their horses.

 

(b)               Permission of the panel of Vets is necessary before any horses start work. Horses who have not completed a minimum period of four weeks post infection would not be permitted to work. Non-infected horses to be blood tested before they are allowed to work.

 

(c)                Panel of vets to check each horse going to work before and after trot.

 

(d)               Each horse to be checked for first three days of trotting.

 

(e)                Horses to go to work with new saddle cloth in a different colour with new numbers. When the horses come to Mumbai they can go back to their original saddle numbers.

 

(f)                The Club will disinfect Mumbai stables before arrival of horses from Pune.

 

(g)               Dips will be in place at the Mumbai stable area.

 

There being no other points the meeting terminated.

 

 

Minutes of the Meeting of the EI Core Group held on 11-11-08

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE CORE GROUP CONSTITUTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE EQUINE INFLUENZA HELD AT 4.00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, 11^TH NOVEMBER 2008, IN THE MEETING ROOM, ABOVE THE WEIGHING ROOM, RACE COURSE, MUMBAI:

 

Present:-

 

                Mr Shivlal Daga        –   Chairman, Co-ordination Committee, TAI

                Diwan Arun Nanda   –   representative of WIRHOA Ltd

                Mr Gautam Lala       –   representative of WIRHOA Ltd (in the absence of Mr. Geoffrey Nagpal)

                Mr Pesi Shroff          -    representative of WITA Ltd

                Mr NHS Mani           -    Deputy Secretary, RWITC Ltd

                Dr D Swaminathan   -   Senior Veterinary Officer, RWITC Ltd

 

 

Chairman of the Meeting:- Having been duly proposed and seconded Mr Shivlal Daga took the Chair for the meeting. Mr Daga clarified that he was only chairing this meeting and has not accepted to be on the Core Group.

 

Leave of absence:- Mr Zavaray S Poonawalla, representative of the RWITC Ltd and Dr Anil Kumar, representative of WITA Ltd were granted leave of absence from the meeting.

 

Resignation of Capt Jamshed Appoo from the Core Group:- The Core Group noted that Capt Jamshed Appoo who was nominated by the RWITC Ltd to serve on the Core Group has resigned from the Core Group.

 

Diwan Arun Nanda referred to his e-mail dated 10^th November 2008 addressed to the Secretary of the Club and sought to know whether the resignation of Capt Appoo was effective and if so whether anybody in place of Capt Appoo would be nominated to serve on the Core Group. The Deputy Secretary replied that the letter of resignation of Capt Appoo was being placed before the Committee of the Club at its meeting to be held on 17^th November 2008 and he would be able to revert only thereafter.

 

                It was clarified that Mr Shivlal Daga was attending this meeting as Chairman, Co-ordination Committee, TAI, that too at the request from the representatives of the WIRHOA Ltd on the Core Group. It was further clarified that Mr Gautam Lala was attending this meeting in the absence of Mr Geoffrey Nagpal, who was out of the country.

 

                Mr Daga said that he was unable to visit Pune now and then and as such will not join the core group.

 

Daily statistics:- Diwan Arun Nanda stated that the Core Group members should receive daily data from Dr Swaminathan as to the total fever case – recurring (running for a few days) and new for that day, horses coughing and horses with nasal discharge and secondary infection. Dr Swaminathan stated that he was sending this information by SMS to the Committee, Stewards, etc. every day and since he did not have the mobile numbers of the Core Group Members he could not send it to them. However, he would ensure that this information is sent to the Core Group members also on a daily basis. It was decided that Dr Swaminathan should sent this daily information to the Deputy Secretary, who in turn will forward the same, by email to the Core Group members.

               

Appointment of a Consultant:- Diwan Arun Nanda sought to know the decision of the Committee on WIRHOA's recommendation to appoint a Consultant Vet viz. Dr Hasneyn Mirza. The Deputy Secretary informed the meeting that the letters of WIRHOA Ltd including the letter containing this request was already forwarded to the Committee of the Club. He further stated that Dr Cyrus S Poonawalla, Chairman of the Club, who is currently in Tokyo had directed him, prior to his departure to Tokyo that, in his absence the Deputy Secretary should inform the other Committee Members to take decisions in this regard and not to withhold any decision until Dr Poonawalla returns.  The Deputy Secretary further mentioned that he would contact the Committee Members available and inform the Core Group of the decision in the matter. The Core Group recommended that Dr Mirza be appointed as a Consultant in this regard so that Dr Mirza alongwith Dr Swaminathan could deal with the problem. The Core Group also requested for a decision from the Committee of the Club as early as possible.

 

Mr Shivlal Daga's email informing all the Clubs about the outbreak of Equine Influenza:- The WIRHOA Ltd representatives stated that they were given to understand that Mr Daga had already sent an e-mail a couple of months ago regarding outbreak of Equine Influenza and they sought to know the reason for the Club not acting on it.

 

Mr Daga responded that he and Mr Zavaray S Poonawalla were members of the Board of National Research Centre on Equines and that he had attended a meeting of the NRCE sometime in end July 2008. One of the items on the agenda for the said meeting was steps being taken by NRCE teams to combat Equine Influenza which had surfaced in the hill tracts of the north. Accordingly, after the meeting, on 6^th August 2008 he had sent an e-mail addressed to the Secretary-General, Turf Authorities of India, Senior Veterinary Officers and National Horse Breeding Society of India, which email he had forwarded to all the Clubs as well. He stated that his email was on the agenda for the meeting of the Stewards of the Club held on 30^th August 2008 at which meeting consideration of this item was deferred. Mr Daga mentioned that he was not present at the Stewards Meeting held on 30^th August 2008. Subsequently, Dr Swaminathan had approached Mr Daga in this regard when Mr Daga told Dr Swaminathan to make enquiries in this regard with NRCE to ascertain the situation. Dr Swaminathan spoke to the person concerned at NRCE who mentioned to Dr Swaminathan that there was nothing serious and there was nothing to worry about this matter. Therefore the matter was not taken seriously. Mr Daga stated that the only mistake which the Club's office made was his e-mail was not circulated to the WIRHOA Ltd and WITA Ltd.

 

During further discussions, Mr Daga stated that as per his information some of the army mules which went to Vishnodevi Temple with VVIPs were affected by Equine Influenza and which was spread to Army Studs,  61 Cavalry and Nicholson Range and so on. It is probable that this disease has come to Pune with the horses came for the Youth Games as the Rajasthani syces may have had contact with their brethren working at Pune. However, this is only a surmise .

 

Mr Daga added that the NRCE has isolated equine influenza virus from affected equines of Katra in Jammu and Kashmir and the samples received from the other states were under process. Sub type-2 virus was involved in this outbreak. He also mentioned that the immunogenicity of new strain was yet to be studied. The immunogenicity of strains may vary if variant strain affects the equines in new outbreak. It is expected that subtype-2 vaccine which is being prepared by NRCE on an experimental basis may give protection to healthy and uninfected horses against this infection. Any subtype-2 vaccine available in market may also be helpful. He also mentioned that as per NRCE there was no report of this disease in August till late September 2008.

 

Mr Daga stated that though some studs had got Equine Influenza to the best of his knowledge at least Yeravada Stud and Poona Stud had no cases due to strict isolation at Pune. The disease was spread more by people than any other way.

 

During further discussion it was noted that 75% of the horses which were vaccinated earlier were not affected by Equine Influenza but the others were.

 

Mr Daga also informed that whatever may have been the disease/cause for fever cases reported at Race Course and Studs earlier than third week of October 2008 it certainly was not Equine Influenza because there was no cough, nasal discharge and the cases were sporadic. If it was Equine Influenza then all horses would have got it like at present and not sporadic cases spread over months.

 

Documents considered:- The following documents which were placed on the table were considered:

 

(a)    Details submitted by the Senior Veterinary Officer for the period 3^rd November 2008 to 11^th November 2008.

(b)   E-mail dated 10^th November 2008 from Capt. Jamshed Appoo.

(c)    E-mail dated 11^th November 2008 from Capt. Jamshed Appoo.

(d)   E-mail dated 10^th November 2008 from Diwan Arun Nanda.

(e)   Letter dated 6^th November 2008 from Mr P Shroff and Dr Anil Kumar, Members of the Core Group together with  the biosecurity control measures suggested by Bio Corp Ltd.

(f)     Letter dated 7^th November 2008 from Dr P K Uppal, Technical Director, Diagnostic Research Laboratories, RWITC forwarding therewith the guidelines for control of Equine Influenza issued by Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries vide letter no.F No.53 – 95/2008 – LDT (LH) Dated 31^st October 2008.

 

Course of Action:- A further discussion took place at which time the Core Group unanimously felt that it is pointless going into the past and that the focus should be on the future course of action to surmount the problem encountered.

 

On being asked, Mr Daga explained to the other members of the Core Group as to how to proceed as per his opinion based on papers he has studied and advice he has received. He stated that the horses which had not suffered from Equine Influenza anytime after 21^st October 2008 due to vaccination or otherwise can start trotting for 3 minutes with immediate effect under the supervision of a Panel of Veterinarians appointed by the Club. Such horses would be checked by the Panel of Veterinarians before they go to trot. After coming back from the trot the Panel of Vets would again check these horses with Stethoscope (not endoscope) especially to ascertain whether the lungs are showing any abnormality. If there is anything wrong with any horse, then such horses would not be permitted to trot. He stated that it may be possible that the stress as a result of trotting may cause some of these horses showing the latent Equine Influenza or fever and if it happens, such horses should be isolated and kept far away. Those horses who have completed four clear weeks after relief of suffering from Equine Influenza can also be trotted for 3 minutes as stated above. He emphasized that no horse would be permitted to work without clearance from the Panel of Vets appointed for the purpose.

 

                Those horses which are okay after trotting for a week can start shifting to Mumbai. Thus horses will shift in batches. Also horses which now continue to show nasal discharge should be segregated at one far location so they do not pass on secondary infection to the other recovered horses.

 

Six weeks from the first sign of Equine Flu should be over and the horses would not be shedders of the virus so as to contaminate non-affected horses if movement was started from 2^nd week of December 2008. Mr Daga also stated that he was open to correction by the Senior Veterinary Officer and Mr Shroff as they were hands on persons who dealt with horses on day to day basis.

 

 The Core Group deliberated at length after which the following decisions were taken:-

 

(a)    An advisory note be sent to all trainers and owners based on the guidelines of control of Equine Influenza issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and the start of working of horses as opined by Mr Daga and accepted by the Senior Veterinary Officer & Mr. P. Shroff should also be incorporated therein. Further, the proposal for sanitation and disinfection suggested by Bio-Corp Ltd should also be incorporated in the advisory note.

 

(b)   The proposal for sanitation and disinfection suggested by Bio-Corp Ltd as also as contained in the guidelines of the Ministry should be implemented forthwith. Directions were given that this should be done departmentally and the Estate Department should be asked to do so.

 

(c)    The Senior Veterinary Officer should obtain the horse wise data in a scientific way to ascertain the period of fever, nasal discharge, coughing, etc. of each horse which data would be useful for deciding the start of working horses, etc.

 

(d)   Before the horses shift to Mumbai, the entire stable area at the Mumbai Race Course should be disinfected atleast three times to reduce the bacterial load.

 

(e)   A further advisory be issued before movement of horses pertaining to disinfection of trucks/floats etc. and any other measures to be taken. Mr Daga agreed to attend that meeting of the Core Group.

 

(f)     The possibilities of having vehicle dips in the stable area at the Mumbai and Pune Race Courses should be explored and if possible the same should be done.

 

Mr Shroff requested Mr Daga to address the trainers in Pune with the procedures and protocol which would be of great help to the trainers. Mr Daga reluctantly agreed to the same. It was therefore decided to hold a meeting of the Core Group and Mr Daga with the trainers at 11.30 a.m. on Saturday, 15^th November 2008 at the Turf Club House, Pune.  It was agreed that except Dr Swaminathan no other vets would be present.

 

There being no other points the meeting terminated.

 

Equine Influenza Advisory to Owners and Trainers from EI Core Group

 

ADVISORY NOTE FROM THE CORE GROUP CONSTITUTED IN REGARD TO EQUINE INFLUENZA

 

1.         General Information:

 

a)         Equine Influenza is an acute highly contagious viral disease of equines (horses, ponies, mules and donkeys), which spreads very fast. The disease is one of the OIE listed disease of equines.

 

b)         The virus belongs to family Orthomyxoviridae and is a RNA virus. The disease occurs by two subtypes H3N8 (A/equi-2) and H7N7 (A/equi-1).

 

c)         Animals suffering from the disease show the clinical signs, which include high raise of temperature, dry hacking cough, watery to mucopurulent discharge and pain in the limbs. Exercise makes the signs more prominent.

 

d)         The disease spreads very fast and within 1-3 days animal starts showing clinical signs of the disease.

 

e)         The morbidity due to the influenza (up to 80% – 90%) is very high in equines while mortality is low. Secondary complication like chronic bronchitis, chronic alveolar pulmonary emphysema and asthmatic conditions are noticed where animals are not given adequate rest and therapy.

 

f)          Horses may keep on shedding the virus for 7-10 days. The most common way of spread is through aerosol route.

 

g)         The virus can be spread by contact between infected and susceptible horses, contaminated equipment, susceptible horses coming in contact with premises or vehicles recently occupied by infected horses, which have not been decontaminated and through the persons attending the infected animals.

 

 

2.         Samples to be Collected:

 

a)         Nasal swabs. One swab from each nostril. A normal 6-inch wooden or plastic handle cotton swab is satisfactory. The swab should be kept immediately in phosphate buffered saline containing 40% glycerol or virus transport medium at 4^¡C. The best time to collect samples is in the initial 24-48 hours of fever. The external nostrils should be wiped with clean swab prior to the collection of samples.

 

Note: The swabs should be sent to NRCE under cold condition at 4^¡C (on ice) through a messenger immediately after collection.

 

b)         2-3 ml serum from the same animal should be collected at the time of collection of nasal swabs and sent to the laboratory. After 14 days a second sample of serum (paired serum sample) has to be collected for confirming equine influenza infection.

3.         Treatment of the infected animals:

 

a)         Animals showing clinical signs should be given symptomatic treatment.

 

b)         Antibiotic coverage (broad spectrum) may be given to the sick animals to avoid secondary bacterial infections.

 

c)         Animal should be given adequate rest for 3-4 weeks.

 

d)         No vitamins etc should be given during the initial period of 2/3 weeks.

 

4.         Control of Infection:

 

Quick and timely diagnosis is the best option to control the infection as the disease spreads very rapidly.

 

A.         Detection of Infected animals and their quarantine:

 

a)         The major strategy required for effective control of the disease is quick and timely detection of cases, strict quarantine and controlled movement of equine influenza infected animals within the state as well as outside the state. Interstate movement of the equines should be minimized and / or even stopped completely for six to eight weeks.

 

b)         Immediately isolate the infected animal from the general population as well as from healthy stock within the same premises for 21 to 28 days.

 

c)         Persons attending to the infected animal should not in any way go near the healthy animals. The utensils, water troughs, feed trough,etc should also not get mixed between healthy and infected animals.

 

d)         Prompt diagnosis of equine respiratory disease by testing of nasal swabs and serum samples is essential for immediate control of this disease.

 

e)         If disease is detected soon after introduction and is confined to a limited area, the aim will be to achieve containment and then eradication by quarantine and movement controls, without the need for vaccination.

 

f)          Vaccination strategies for healthy stock, if adopted, can be one of the options only, in addition to quarantine and movement control to limit the rate of spread.

 

B.         Disinfection of premises / hands / utensils

 

a)         The influenza virus is fragile and can be quickly inactivated by exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight, and by heating.

 

b)         The virus has been shown to persist in water for 14 days at 4^¡C and up to 2 days at 37^¡C.

 

c)         In horse urine it can survive for 5-6 days; and in soil under sunlight at 15^¡C. for 8 hours.

 

The following steps need to be taken to ensure the control of the spread of infection:

 

i)          Cleaning of Water Tanks.

 

            Step I – Scrub with caustic soda (Vim Bar is good). Rinse the tank thoroughly.

 

            Step II – Refilling process : Add safeguard

 

Compound: Iodophore dilution is 1 ml / 10 ltrs (for potable water) which is odorless and palatable.

 

ii)         Stalls and Stable Area:

           

General Cleaning/dusting of floor/walls/roof/cracks and crevices, if any.

 

iii)        Disinfecting the surfaces

 

a)         Thoroughly clean the surfaces with detergents to remove grease /dirt.

 

b)         Use hot water to clean the cracks and crevices.

           

c)         Phenyl (1%), Chloroxylenol (Dettol) (1%), chlorhexidine (1-2%), formalin (0.2-0.5%) when applied for 20 to 30 minutes are effective in inactivating the virus.

 

d)         Compound: Combination of 3 quarternany Amnonuim compounds out of which two are IInd generation, one is IV generation (i.e. Latest available) plus it has organic Tin derivative. (It is 100 times more potent than Copper Suphate and 1.10^th in adverse effect to Copper Sulphate). This compound too is biodegradable. Recommended – Once a day for 15 days/Tapers down to once in two weeks / once in a month and continue monthly spray thereafter.

 

iv)        Personal disinfection

 

a)         Hand dip : Safeguard with higher concentration 8 – 10 ml/lt (Containers to be provided for dip)

 

b)         The face, hair and skin especially of the exposed parts such as hands should be washed with soap and warm water.

 

c)         Citric acid, a milder acid available as a powder, can be used safely for personnel and clothing decontamination at a concentration of 0.2% w/v.

 

d)         Gum boots, overalls, etc. should be scrubbed with brush, washed with detergent, placed in the disinfectant and dried in the sunlight to ensure inactivation of the virus.

 

v)         Equipments, feeding troughs and vehicles,etc

 

a)         All equipment and track : includes Bit, Bridle, Leading Rope, Brushes, Curry Comb, Hof Pick, Thermometer, Saddles and Saddle pad – advised dip, rinse and sun dry.

 

b)         Equipments and inside surfaces of vehicles used for transportation should be cleaned of straw and manure and washed and cleaned before being sprayed with a disinfectant (phenyl / formalin) and left unused in the open as the fumes from these disinfectants are irritant.

 

c)         Wheels of the vehicles should be disinfected through use of wheel baths.

 

d)         Ropes, twitches, etc. should be preferably discarded through burning and in case they are to be used again, then these should be disinfected which can be done by dipping them overnight in disinfectant (Dettol / chlorhexidine).

 

e)         Feed bowls and troughs may similarly be disinfected.

 

f)          Disposal of Horse Manure regularly, also cleaning of Nostrils by disposable paper tissue rolls as and when required.

 

f)          Man movement from one yard to another has to be strictly curtailed.

 

g)         Stable staff should be educated on control and hygiene.

 

h)         Water the premises to keep the stable area absolutely dust free, also no smoking, fogging and avoid burning the waste and garbage to ensure pollution free surroundings.

 

5)         Start working horses ( specific for Pune Race Course)

 

Those horses  which have not suffered from Equine Influenza anytime after 21^st October 2008 can start trotting for 3 minutes with immediate effect under the supervision of a Panel of Veterinarians appointed by the Club. Such horses will be checked by the Panel of Veterinarians before they go to trot. After coming back from the trot the Panel of Vets will again check these horses with Stethoscope (not endoscope) especially to ascertain whether the lungs are showing any abnormality. If there is anything wrong with any horse, then such horses would not be permitted to trot.

 

Note:- It may be possible that the stress as a result of trotting may cause some of these horses showing the latent  Equine Influenza or fever and if it happens, such horses should be isolated and kept far away. 

 

Those horses who have completed four clear weeks after relief of suffering from Equine Influenza can be trotted for 3 minutes as stated in 5 (a) above.

 

No horse would be permitted to work without clearance from the Panel of Vets appointed for the purpose.

 

6)         Public Awareness.

 

a)         Awareness in the horse industry is a must to gain cooperation and build confidence in controlling the disease.

 

b)         All state Animal Husbandry Departments, NGO's working for the welfare of the equines and organized industry should be fully aware about the disease, measures to be taken to control the disease. NRCE has already informed the Directors of the concerned states and Army regarding the outbreak in their respective states.

 

c)         Special care has to be taken to inform the individual horse owners in rural areas for the signs of the disease and that they should report to local veterinarian about the disease and the measures to be taken for control. This information can be given through pamphlets and handouts.

 

d)         Support from local media and public relations campaign should be ensured for creating adequate awareness about the disease.

 

7.         Advice to the owners

 

a)         Owners should monitor the health of horses in the premises twice daily by observing for clinical signs such as coughing, nasal discharge, fever, if any.

 

b)         Any suspected cases should be clearly identified, isolated, and specific samples as mentioned earlier should be sent to the laboratory.

 

c)         The utensils, water troughs, feed troughs etc should not be allowed to get mixed between healthy and infected animals.

 

d)         Limit people and vehicle access to the premises where horses are kept. Only essential visitors should be given the access. Visitors need to be kept away from horses.

 

e)         Vehicles should be kept away from the horses and preferably left outside the gate.