Since April 2008, the HBLB has supported the Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance programme (EIDS) via a collaborative funding arrangement with other racing industry bodies: the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) and the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA).
The primary aim of the EIDS programme is to provide the UK Thoroughbred industry with first-class monitoring and diagnostic facilities for existing and emerging equine diseases. Along with the HBLB-funded Equine Influenza Programme, the EIDS work ensures that the Thoroughbred industry has access to expert information, advice and support regarding suspected or confirmed disease outbreaks.
The EIDS team tracks reports of disease incidence around the world and is also involved in related scientific research on equine diseases with the aim of ensuring that the best and most up-to-date information is readily available.
HBLB makes available £150,000 annually to the EIDS programme. In addition, racehorse owners contribute ovwer £210,000( via a levy on race entry fees) and the TBA £50,000.
