FROM THE DESK OF THE
For the Attention of Show Organizers and Competitors
There seems to be some confusion about the documentation of Flu/Rhino vaccinations. Rule Art 6.3 says that equines entering an event venue must have had Flu/Rhino vaccinations within 6 months prior to entering that venue. This is usually done twice a year…My ponies are vaccinated in January and June because it’s easier for me to remember. (Here in Florida, I also vaccinate for Eastern/ Western/West Nile and Rabies, although not on the same day. Those vaccinations don’t have to be documented.)Documentation can be either a receipt/letter on the Vet’s letterhead stating the name, serial number and expiration date of the vaccine, a passport (National or FEI) which is filled in with the same information and is signed and stamped by the Vet or, in the case of a vaccination given by the Person Responsible (usually the owner) a signed receipt showing purchase of the vaccine.In the case of the PR giving the shot, the PR must have a receipt from the Vet or Clinic from whom they purchased the vaccine which cites the name of the Clinic or Vet, the name, serial number and expiration of the vaccine. Usually this winds up being the cash/credit card/check receipt.
What Organizers ask for is proof that the animal actually received the shot. In the case of the Vet/Clinic’s letter, that is pretty conclusive evidence that the vaccination was given. Same with a passport as the Vet has to sign both of those documents.
The Organizer has to take the PR’s word for it that the shot was given as the only documentation is a receipt. There isn’t a Vet signature and stamp. I do suppose that provides a chance that the receipt was faked and the shot wasn’t actually given. Why (or how) anyone would do this is a mystery as the vaccinations are for the good of the animal and the peace of mind of the Owner and other competitors.
There is a third situation which happens when an animal has had a bad reaction to the vaccine. In that case, the PR has to have a Vet’s letter stating that the animal cannot be given the vaccination. Then the PR must be able, if asked, to furnish a log of the animal’s temperature taken twice daily for a week before the competition. Temps also must be taken twice daily while on the show grounds and a log of those shown to the Organizer, TD or Steward when asked for.
The Organizer merely wants proof that the vaccination was given. Any of the above methods of proof are acceptable.