DEFA monitoring UK horse flu situation

Assurances offered by Minister

The environment department will take appropriate action should the outbreak of equine flu in the UK make its way to the Island.

Minister Geoffrey Boot is confident however, the Isle of Man is in a good position and there is no immediate threat to the horse-owning community.

It comes after the British Horseracing Authority made the decision to cancel all racing yesterday (6 Feb), until Wednesday (13 Feb) next week.

An assessment of the spread of the disease is underway with an announcement expected from BHA on Sunday (17 Feb).   

Despite what has been called a 'sudden crisis' in the UK, Mr Boot offered his assurances.