To all licensed persons and other stakeholders, 

This notice addresses the AHS vaccination window for horses in the AHS Infected Area, as well as the eligibility of horses to continue to compete in the 2022/23 racing season. 

The AHS vaccination window period is between 1 June and 31 October every year. However, due to the persistent AHS vaccination shortage, the NHA extended the window period for horses that are resident in the AHS Infected Zone was extended to 31 December 2022. Since then, the availability of the AHS vaccine has never been fully restored, and consequently, there is evidence of both horses that were only partially vaccinated and horses that were not vaccinated at all in the above-mentioned areas. 

Accordingly, the decision to vaccinate after 31 December 2022 shall be left to the private veterinarian and the person responsible for the horse, taking into consideration the individual horse’s immunity as well as the associated risks. Those who choose to vaccinate outside of the NHA-mandated vaccination window will not be penalized. 

Horses holding at least one valid AHS set of vaccination records for 2021 or 2022, including those who choose to vaccinate outside of the NHA-mandated vaccination window will be allowed to compete. 

We encourage you to discuss this matter with your private veterinarian, and should you have any doubts, please don't hesitate to contact a NHA Veterinary Surgeon.