At the beginning of the year in the UK there were outbreaks of Equine Influenza forcing some race meetings to be abandoned to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.

Subsequently the National Trainers Federation (NTF) had the objective to improve the standards of hygiene at racecourse stables.

Research was carried out by the Irish Equine Centre instigated by President Ann Duffield to look at the cleanliness of racecourse stables.

Three Northern Racecourses participated in the research, which then led to discussions with the BHA Racecourse Committee. There needed to be a better or stronger method of cleaning stables.

Although the common practice before was to use a Defra approved disinfectant, it begged the question, how effective are these products against equine specific pathogens.

With this new knowledge, the BHA General Instructions (BHAGI) now state that equine specific chemical disinfectants should be used at racecourses when carrying out a Level One clean.

Stable Shield Disinfectant has been put forward as one of the approved products to use. It was tested by the Irish Equine Centre and the Animal Health Trust against equine bacteria, fungi, equine viruses and diseases such as Streptococcus Equi (strangles), Rhodococcus Equi, Trichophython (equine strain of ringworm), Aspergillus mould (causes RAO and bleeding), Equine Influenza and Equine Herpes virus type 1 and 4.

The disinfectant is alcohol-free but contains one of the fastest acting and most powerful germ-killing products available today. Effective within 30 seconds, it kills up to 99.999% of bacteria but contains no irritants within its formula.

To ensure Stable Shield works to its maximum effectiveness, we recommend that your stable is correctly ventilated and cleaned regularly, dirt removed from the stable walls, power-washed at least every six months, and disinfected monthly.