HAPPA boosts Biosecurity to protect horses and ponies

Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA), based in Burnley, Lancashire, has increased biosecurity measures with immediate effect at its rescue centre, Shores Hey Farm, following the intake of two rescue ponies into its state-of-the-art isolation and biosecurity unit.

Following a welfare concern report, HAPPA’s Equine Rescue Team attended the site and found one pony in poor health. In line with biosecurity protocols, both ponies travelled safely to Shores Hey Farm and were admitted directly to the Isolation Unit for veterinary assessment and treatment.

On arrival, the ponies were admitted straight to HAPPA’s purpose-built Isolation Unit, set away from the main stable yard, and strict biosecurity measures were put in place immediately. Both have since tested positive for the bacterial infection Streptococcus Equi (commonly known as strangles), which is highly contagious among horses and ponies.

What is strangles?

Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects horses and ponies. It typically spreads through direct contact and shared equipment, clothing, or surfaces. Managing it relies on rapid isolation, strict hygiene, and careful monitoring to help prevent onward transmission.

Further information https://www.happa.org.uk/campaigns/strangles-lets-work-together-to-stamp-it-out/

HAPPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Arthur, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have the Yvonne Gregory Isolation and Biosecurity Unit at Shores Hey Farm – a purpose-built facility for cases such as this. The dedicated stable yard sits a safe distance from the main yard and is fully self-contained, with a wide perimeter, operating completely separately from the rest of the site.

Biosecurity measures in this state-of-the-art facility are already stringent. Every equine taken in by the Charity are isolated for 21 days away from the main herd, and every Equine Care Officer receives comprehensive training in industry-standard biosecurity practices. This enables us to identify and contain any signs of infection quickly. We now have a responsibility to reduce the risk of spread, protect the main HAPPA herd, and safeguard the wider equestrian community by making immediate operational changes.”

Ella Smith, HAPPA’s Equine Manager, said: “The two ponies are extremely unwell and are receiving dedicated veterinary care. Our team is working hard while following strict biosecurity measures, and we remain hopeful they will make a full recovery.”

Immediate changes at Shores Hey Farm

Although the two positive ponies are fully contained and isolated from the main stable yard, HAPPA has strengthened site-wide biosecurity as an added precaution. With immediate effect, the Charity is suspending horse movements to and from the farm. This includes postponing the rehoming of HAPPA horses, pausing the return of horses from loan homes, cancelling all equine-related events (including dressage, private clinics and indoor arena hire), and closing the Isolation Unit to any further intakes.

Given the strict isolation of the two positive ponies, Shores Hey Farm, the café, and the shop will remain open to visitors. However, this may change at short notice, so visitors are encouraged to check the Charity’s website before planning a visit.

Visitor guidance

• The farm, café and shop are currently open to visitors (this may change at short notice).
• Please check http://www.happa.org.uk/ before visiting.
• Follow any on-site hygiene instructions.

HAPPA would like to reassure visitors that this is an equine infection that cannot be passed to people, but it can be transmitted to other equines.

Every donation matters at this challenging time.

These changes will have a detrimental impact on the Charity’s fundraising over the coming months. HAPPA is appealing for donations to support additional biosecurity equipment, veterinary treatment, and the care costs associated with nursing the two ponies back to health.

Your contribution will assist with funding:

One Guttural Pouch Test (by a veterinarian) - £300

Disinfectant 10kg Tub - £100

Hand sanitiser 10litres - £25

Disinfectant Spray Bottle - £15

Biosecurity Equipment – Overalls, boot covers, surgical gloves, hair cover, face shield £5 to £20

Any contribution, of any amount, is a huge help to the Charity during this challenging time. Please visit http://www.happa.org.uk/ or donate by calling 01282 455992.