SINGAPORE IMPOSE IMPORT RESTRICTIONS Singapore today banned the import of horses from the UK in reaction to the current outbreak of foot and mouth disease.The Agri-food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore took the step in an attempt to safeguard livestock on the island.'This temporary suspension is to protect Singapore`s foot and mouth disease-free status and our agri-business trade,' an AVA spokesman told The New Paper.The AVA sees a need to 'prevent the possibility of horses acting as a mechanical transfer of the disease to Singapore'.British imports are a notable feature of the country`s racing, with the ex-Paul Cole-trained Carry The Flag winning the Singapore Gold Cup two years ago.A prolonged ban could scupper the hopes of the 11 UK-trained horses entered in the Stg#1.25 million Singapore Airlines International Cup at Kranji on May 12th, which include Compton Admiral and Endless Hall.Pipalong heads 13 from Britain engaged in the #400,000 Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Sprint on the same card.
