BATTLE TO BEAT OUTBREAK

HOW DOES THE TESTING WORK?

Horses at 174 yards are being tested for equine influenza. A vet inserts an 18-inch swab into each horse’s nostrils, making sure it reaches the back of the throat. The collected mucus is placed in a sterile container and sent by courier to a laboratory.

WHEN IS TESTING MOST EFFECTIVE?

Between 48 hours and five days after a horse comes into contact with one which has the virus. The tests conducted early yesterday may, therefore, have been done too soon after the Ayr meeting, so there may need to be further checks tomorrow.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE LABORATORY?

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on the swab multiplies the quantity of DNA in the sample and it is tested to see whether the virus DNA is present. The results will show which variety of flu is present and if that strain is in the current flu vaccine.

WHERE IS THE TESTING TAKING PLACE?

The Animal Health Trust is processing tests in their hundreds, working around the clock to get results as quickly as possible. About 20 vets are working at the Trust’s base in Newmarket, but tests are also being conducted at other labs around the country to ease the burden.