CHESHIRE is where the equine flu cases were discovered in three race horses, leading to race meetings put on hold for the time being.

Every precaution is being taken to avoid it turning into an epidemic, but one major factor seems to have been overlooked. Fox hunting.

Horses and hounds travel cross country for many miles, and we all have seen hounds spread about in their eagerness to catch their quarry, often unsupervised.

If I owned a racehorse now, I would be very concerned about the risk of cross contamination. A cousin has seven race horses in training, and I know she is concerned.

Out of respect I would expect hunts to sacrifice their hunting days for the greater good therefore spreading good will in the countryside.

Marjorie Embling, Crook