Wiqaya steps up animal health and biosecurity at Taif horse racing season

The National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases (Wiqaya), through its branch in the Makkah region, has strengthened its preventive and veterinary efforts during the horse racing season in Taif by implementing a comprehensive range of field activities aimed at protecting equine health and enforcing biosecurity standards, contributing to the success of the season.

Field operations carried out by the center’s Taif office include conducting visual examinations of participating horses to ensure they are healthy and free from infectious and epidemic diseases, as well as running awareness and guidance programs for horse owners on preventive practices and reinforcing biosecurity concepts.

Technical teams continue to implement insect and larval surveillance programs and control disease vectors throughout the season to minimize health risks and maintain a safe environment at the racecourse.

At the start of the season, Dr. Ghaleb Al-Saadi, Director General of Wiqaya’s Makkah branch, met with officials from the Horse Racing Club at King Khalid Racecourse in Taif to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and coordination, and to support preventive efforts aimed at protecting equine health and reducing animal diseases.