Biosecurity Update from Shores Hey Farm

We’ve increased biosecurity measures after two rescued ponies were admitted to our Isolation and Biosecurity Unit and tested positive for Streptococcus Equi (strangles).

As a precaution, we have strengthened biosecurity at our rescue centre, Shores Hey Farm, following the arrival of two rescued ponies into our purpose-built Isolation and Biosecurity Unit.

After receiving a welfare concern report, our Equine Rescue Team attended the site and found one pony in poor health. Both ponies were transported to Shores Hey Farm and admitted directly into isolation for veterinary assessment and treatment.

The ponies remain in our dedicated Isolation Unit, set away from the main stable yard, with strict biosecurity in place. Both have 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 through shared equipment, clothing or surfaces. Managing it relies on rapid isolation, strict hygiene and careful monitoring to help prevent onward transmission.

Find out more about strangles and how to help stop the spread: HAPPA Strangles Information

What we’re doing now

Sarah Arthur, Chief Executive Officer, 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. It is fully self-contained, operates separately from the rest of the site, and sits a safe distance from the main yard.”

“Our biosecurity processes are already strict: every equine taken in by the charity is isolated for 21 days away from the main herd, and our Equine Care Officers receive comprehensive training in industry-standard biosecurity practices. We are making immediate operational changes to reduce the risk of spread, protect the main HAPPA herd, and help safeguard the wider equestrian community.”

Immediate changes at Shores Hey Farm

Although the two ponies are fully contained and isolated from the main stable yard, we have strengthened site-wide biosecurity as an added precaution.

With immediate effect we are:

• Suspending ALL horse movements to and from the farm (including postponing rehoming and pausing the return of horses from loan homes)
• Cancelling ALL equine-related events (including dressage, in-hand showing, private clinics and horse indoor arena hire)
• Closing the Isolation Unit to any further intakes

Shores Hey Farm, the café and the shop remain open to visitors at this time and all non-equine fundraising events are going ahead as scheduled. This may change at short notice, so please check our website before you travel.

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.

Strangles is an equine infection and cannot be passed to people. However, it can be transmitted to other equines.

How you can help

These necessary changes will have an impact on our fundraising over the coming months. If you’re able to, please consider donating to help us cover additional biosecurity equipment, veterinary treatment and the extra care costs of nursing the two ponies back to health.

Examples of what your donation can help fund:

• Guttural pouch test (vet-led): £300
• Disinfectant (10kg tub): £100
• Hand sanitiser (10 litres): £25
• Disinfectant spray bottle: £15
• Biosecurity equipment (overalls, boot covers, gloves, hair covers, face shields): £5 to £20

Any contribution, of any amount, makes a real difference. Please click HERE to donate, or call 01282 455992.