07/03/2026
TO: All SAEF Members
UPDATED DIRECTIVE – DISPENSATION INFLUENZA (FLU) VACCINATION
The SAEF Executive have agreed to the following dispensation with will come into effect from the 1st April 2026, and remain in effect unless rescinded by the SAEF, due to an outbreak of Equine Influenza in the country or other circumstances that may occur requiring more frequent vaccination.
All horses born after the 1st January 2020, or horses that have not previously received vaccination will be required to demonstrate the administration of the Primary Equine Influenza Course of V1, V2 and V3 as set out in the SAEF/FEI Veterinary Regulations as per the rules prior to 1st January 2024, or as per the rules from the 1st January 2024.
All vaccinations must be administered by a Registered Veterinarian and entered, signed and stamped by the administering Registered Veterinarian in the horses passport. Following the Primary course, horses will be required to be vaccinated once a year.
However, if a calendar year is exceeded between annual vaccination, the Primary Course will have to be repeated. No vaccination may be administered in the 7 days preceding any event that the horse may be entered into, or attend a measuring session.
Horses born prior to 1st January 2020, must demonstrate at least annual vaccination, with an interval between vaccinations not exceeding 1 year, and administered by a veterinarian to avoid having to complete the Primary Course.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO FEI RIDERS - FEI HORSES ARE NOT EXCEMPTED
Please note: Horses registered with the FEI and competing in FEI events are not excempt from vaccination under this dispensation. All FEI registered horses MUST be vaccinated by a REGISTERED veterinarian with Equine Influenza vaccine within 6 months and 21 days of competition.
Regards
The SAEF Team
Download document, here:https://mcusercontent.com/e02bd22576817b3014b3c9f50/files/8679c04a-e447-53a4-4b6b-78a4c8f64b25/SAEF_Updated_Flu_Vaccine_Directive_6_March_2026.pdf
