Latest from Horse & Hound in Equine-herpes

Horse & Hound’s definitive guide to equine vaccinations

Carol Phillips — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:29:39 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

If you aren’t sure about what vaccinations your horse needs, when they should be given and how often, then Horse & Hound’s definitive guide contains everything you need to know

There are a number of vaccinations for horses available to help protect your horse’s health. These include equine flu, tetanus, equine herpes virus (EHV) and equine rotavirus and strangles. Unfortunately a 2019 field trial of a vaccine to protect against grass sickness proved inconclusive.

Only healthy horses should be vaccinated. If your horse is showing any signs of being unwell, discuss this with your vet prior to any vaccine being given. It is recommended that a horse is given a couple of quiet days after being vaccinated, with only light work and turnout. A horse should not be worked hard or made to sweat as they may be feeling below par or a little sore at the site of the injection.

A small percentage of horses experience a reaction after being vaccinated. If your horse appears unwell then speak to your vet for advice. If your horse has previously had a reaction then discuss it with the vet prior to any future vaccinations being given.

All vaccination records should be kept up to date in the horse’s passport document.

What vaccinations does a horse need?

The most common vaccinations given to horses in the UK are for equine flu and tetanus. Equine flu vaccination is compulsory for horses competing in affiliated competitions and is recommended for all horses. Breeding stock should also be vaccinated for equine herpes virus.

How often does a horse need vaccinations?

Most governing bodies of equestrian sports require annual equine flu vaccinations after the initial course is completed. The FEI requires more frequent boosters. It is advised that owners of leisure horses also arrange yearly boosters.

Vaccines against tetanus are typically given to horses every other year.

The primary vaccination course for equine herpes virus in non-pregnant horses involves two vaccinations four to six weeks apart, followed by booster vaccines every six months. Pregnant mares are typically vaccinated at five, seven and nine months of gestation to reduce the risk of abortion associated with EHV.

Why you should vaccinate your horse?

“Equine vaccinations are important to prevent your horse from contracting nasty diseases, particularly contagious diseases such as equine flu,” explains Wolverhampton vet Sue Taylor.

“Horse owners often say that their horse doesn’t go anywhere and so doesn’t need to be vaccinated, but if your horse is on a stable yard alongside horses who do compete, there is a chance that those competition horses could bring back a virus.

“Herd immunity is a concept that owners should be aware of too. If there is a yard full of vaccinated horses, it provides a kind of ‘wall’ to flu and other viruses. It can’t pass on very successfully as vaccinated horses limit the amount of virus that is shed. Whereas if your horse is unvaccinated, they’ll catch it and snot virulent virus all over the place, making it more likely to be caught by other horses — even vaccinated horses can present with mild signs. The higher the vaccination percentage in the overall population, the less opportunities there are to infect horses.

“Also, owners of competition horses should be aware that an up-to-date vaccination record is a requirement of many sporting governing bodies for horses competing under their rules.”

Every horse should be vaccinated against equine flu. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Equine flu (influenza) vaccination for horses

What is equine flu?

Influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system resulting in a high fever, runny nose and coughing. Though rarely fatal, it can be a very debilitating disease that can take a considerable amount of time for horses to recover from. A major outbreak occurred in the UK during 2019 mainly affected unvaccinated animals, although some vaccinated horses also showed clinical signs.

Which horses need a flu vaccination?

Every horse should be vaccinated against equine flu. It is a requirement for competition horses to have up-to-date protection under the rules of most governing bodies.

Equine flu vaccination schedule

The first one is typically given around five months old, second one about four weeks later (21-60 days), then again around six months (120-180 days), followed by an annual booster. If you miss the window for these vaccinations or an annual booster, you will likely have to start the course again to comply with affiliated competition rules (check the rules of your governing body).

British Dressage, British Showjumping, British Eventing and British Riding Clubs require annual boosters. Horses competing under FEI rules must have been vaccinated within six months, plus up to 21 days, of a competition, but cannot have been vaccinated within seven days of arriving at a competition venue.

The flu vaccine is the only one that the FEI insists all horses taking part in international competitions have. From 1 January 2026, flu vaccinations must be recorded digitally in the FEI HorseApp, as well as in the horse’s passport. Vets must enter the vaccination details on the day it is administered. There is a transition period running until 30 June 2026 during which no sanctions will be issued, but from 1 July 2026 missing or incorrect digital records may result in fines.

The British Horseracing Authority’s windows between the first, second and third vaccines are 21-60 days, then 120-180 days, followed by six monthly boosters. In all cases, horses should not attend competitions within seven days of receiving a vaccine.

Other relevant info

Only healthy horses should be vaccinated for flu. If your horse has a temperature, cough or is unwell in any way, make your vet aware before he vaccinates your horse with flu, as the vaccine could make him more ill.

Tetanus vaccination for horses

What is tetanus?

Tetanus is caused by the production of endotoxins by the bacteria Clostridium tetani and is often fatal in horses. The spores of the bacteria are found in soil and enters the tissues via wounds. Deep puncture wounds are particularly dangerous as they provide an ideal site for infection.

Which horses need the tetanus vaccination?

Every horse is susceptible to tetanus due to the nature of the disease.

Tetanus vaccination schedule

A primary course of two vaccinations given four to six weeks apart, followed by a booster 12 months later. Subsequent vaccinations can be given at two yearly intervals. Foals will receive antibodies from their mother’s colostrum, but many are also given tetanus anti-toxin shortly after birth too.

Vaccination for tetanus is usually started at five months old and is often given as a combination vaccine with equine flu.

Other relevant info

You can get lumps or unwell horses occasionally after vaccination, but it is usually from a combined flu/tetanus vaccination rather than a sole tetanus injection.

Equine herpes virus (EHV) vaccination for horses

What is equine herpes virus?

There are five types of equine herpes virus, but EHV-1 and EHV-4 are the most clinically important and they are the only types that can be vaccinated against. EHV-1 and EHV-4 can cause a flu-like respiratory infection in horses, but may also cause abortion in pregnant mares and severe neurological disease. The effectiveness of the EHV vaccine against the neurological form of the disease is unclear.

Which horses need an EHV vaccine?

Any horse can have the herpes vaccine, but it is particularly important for breeding mares — many big studs will insist a mare is vaccinated before being allowed to foal there.

EHV vaccination schedule

The first vaccine can be given at five months old with the second vaccine at four to six weeks later, followed by a booster every six months. To provide effective immunity against abortion caused by EHV-1 and EHV-4 a course of three vaccinations should be given to a mare during her fifth, seventh and ninth months of pregnancy.

Other relevant info

There is a lot of virus shed in the aborted foetus’s fluid so surrounding mares can potentially catch the disease from breathing in the virus. The vaccine doesn’t always prevent the mare from aborting, but it can limit the amount of the virus that she passes when giving birth.

Equine rotavirus vaccination for horses

Pregnant mares are vaccinated against equine rotavirus to protect their foals from suffering diarrhoea or illness caused by the virus. Vaccines are given in the eighth, ninth, and 10th months of pregnancy in order that the antibodies can be transferred to the foal via the mare’s colostrum (first milk). Please contact your vet for more information.

New strangles vaccine

In 2004, a strangles vaccine called Equilis StrepE was launched, but unfortunately, three years later, it was withdrawn due to “quality control issues”.

Over a decade later, and a new protein-based strangles vaccine Strangvac has been developed by a group of scientists from the Animal Health Trust (AHT), the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, the Karolinska Institute and Intervacc AB, to prevent equines from contracting the highly contagious disease.

Trials were carried out on 16 horses, 13 of which were protected from strangles after being given the vaccine, and none showed signs of adverse reactions. The vaccine was made available to vets in the UK in 2022.

Strangles is caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus equi, which causes large pus-filled abscesses in a horse’s throat and neck. An estimated 600 outbreaks of strangles occur each year in the UK alone, so the development of the new vaccine will benefit horse health world-wide. Please contact your vet for more information.

Reactions to vaccines

“Some horses can have a reaction to their vaccination,” says Sue Taylor. “In some cases it is the injection itself that causes the reaction, not the vaccine. Vets shouldn’t swab the area of the vaccine injection because there is a risk that the antiseptic can deactivate the virus. If you have a very dirty horse, there is the risk that the needle will take bacteria in with it, causing an infection and abscess.

“I usually inject vaccines into the brisket (chest) which is often a cleaner part of the horse and if they do react, it drains well. A lot of people inject in the neck but if the horse reacts, it is a difficult area for the fluid to drain from, and the horse can find it difficult to put its neck down to eat and drink, and certainly can’t be ridden.

“If you have a very hairy horse, it might be advisable to clip a patch of hair with clippers or scissors to minimise the risk of dirt being taken in with the needle, or ensure the horse is clean in the area he is being injected.

“If they have a history of reactions, speak to your vet about placing the injection in his chest, and discuss the vaccine itself. In some cases, it is the carrier of the vaccine that causes a reaction, although this is much less likely now with modern vaccine technology. If you know that your horse is prone to reacting to a certain vaccine, tell your vet so that he can organise an alternative next time.”

Additional reporting by Stephanie Bateman

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Vigilance urged after horses die in French equine herpes outbreak

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 17:45:54 +0000

There have been equine deaths recorded after an outbreak of equine herpes virus (EHV-1) in France, the FEI has confirmed.

H&H reported this week that British Equestrian had urged owners of horses who had been in or travelled through France to be vigilant as an outbreak of the neurological form of the virus had been reported.

Today (22 November) the FEI veterinary department announced an “important update on the situation”.

“The outbreak is linked to a national event that took place in Le Mans on 1–3 November 2024 and as of 20 November, has resulted in fatalities, and cases in three different French departments,” an FEI spokesperson said.

There was an FEI event at the same venue a week later (8-11 November).

“The FEI horses were housed in different stables to the horses competing in the national event and there were no direct contacts between the national and FEI horses at Le Mans,” the spokesperson said.

“EHV-1 is an airborne disease that can be transmitted up to five metres via coughing, but also through direct contact, via people and shared equipment. It can cause respiratory and neurological signs, abortion in pregnant mares and death of young foals.

“However, as this disease is easily transmitted, contact between horses must be kept to the absolute minimum and we therefore strongly recommend that you should not participate in any training events, breeding activities etc with your horses.”

H&H has asked the FEI to clarify which horses are being referred to in the above statement and is awaiting a reply.

The spokesperson added: “In response to the outbreak, we request that our community remains vigilant and monitors the health of their horses carefully, for clinical signs of infectious disease. Further information relating to EHV-1 can be found on the EHV-1 hub.”

The FEI has brought in a raft of extra biosecurity measures since a serious EHV outbreak in 2021 brought horse sport to a halt in mainland Europe.

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‘Extra vigilance’ advised as neurological equine herpes reported in France

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 14:55:37 +0000

Anyone who has travelled horses from or intends to travel them to or through France is advised to be “extra vigilant” owing to a reported outbreak of equine herpes virus (EHV-1).

British Equestrian (BEF) and its member bodies have shared a statement today (19 November) to say they are monitoring the reported outbreak of the neurological form of the virus.

“While this is an evolving situation and we await official confirmation, all members of the equestrian community who have recently been to, are currently in or intending to travel to/through France should be extra vigilant at this time,” a BEF spokesperson said.

“Please seek veterinary advice before travel and isolate any returning horses as per the quarantine protocols.”

BEF member bodies will be in touch directly with any riders they think may be affected but overall advice applies.

Horses returning to the UK from, or having travelled through, France should undertake quarantine protocols under two options:

Slow track (28 days’ quarantine with clinical monitoring and testing if EHV signs are suspected)
Fast track using paired swab and blood testing at least 10 days apart with clinical monitoring

There should be extra awareness of all horses returning from France or having travelled through the country.

EHV-1 is an airborne disease that can be transmitted up to five metres via coughing, but also through direct contact, via people and shared equipment. It can cause respiratory and neurological signs, abortion in pregnant mares and death of young foals.

In spring 2021 a major EHV-1 outbreak brought all equestrian sport across Europe to a halt with the deaths of 18 horses and confirmed cases in 10 countries.

For more information, visit the BEF website or the FEI database. The BEF has a biosecurity page to help mitigate risk.

“We will continue to follow developments in France via our Equine Infectious Disease Advisory Group and work with member bodies to update any advice accordingly,” the BEF said.

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Equine herpes virus – all you need to know right now

Carol Phillips — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 14:14:21 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The equine herpes virus is always present in the British horse population, but the British Equestrian Federation is advising owners to be “extra vigilant” while they monitor a reported outbreak of the neurological form of the virus in France

The equine herpes virus (EHV) is widespread among the horse population in many countries, including Britain. It is thought most horses have been exposed to the disease when young, usually by the age of two and then become latent carriers of the virus. A horse can therefore be infected for life, and can intermittently discharge the virus from the nose and infect susceptible horses. The virus lays dormant in these horses before becoming active again at times of stress. It is important to understand that horses do not always show clinical signs while they are shedding the virus.

EHV has nine strains, with five (EHV-1 to EHV-5) affecting horses.

The two most common strains are EHV-1, which can cause respiratory problems, abortion in pregnant mares and, in rare cases (including an outbreak in southern Britain in January 2020 and a major outbreak linked to a showground in Valencia, Spain that began in February 2021 and spread widely around Europe), neurological problems leading to paralysis and in some cases death; and EHV-4, which most commonly causes mild respiratory problems and very occasionally a single case of abortion in a pregnant mare.

EHV is not a notifiable disease by law in the UK, although the Horseracing Betting Levy Board’s code of practice for the disease calls for thoroughbred breeders to notify the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association if EHV abortion or neurological diseases occur. Other breeders should inform their relevant breed association. Previously the Animal Health Trust also kept track of cases, but they can now be followed through the International Collating Centre (ICC).

There is a vaccine available for EHV, but effective biosecurity is equally important, alongside quarantine during an outbreak. Regular vaccination can lead to a reduction in infectious virus circulating in the population and it is likely to have helped, along with preventative management measures and biosecurity, in reducing the number of outbreaks of disease reported. There is evidence of reduced respiratory disease and abortion in vaccinated animals, however the efficacy of vaccination to prevent the neurological form of the disease is unclear.

It is not recommended to use the vaccine on any horses that may have recently been exposed to the infection while an outbreak is ongoing. That said, vaccination may be advisable for the horses, outside the immediate geographical location of the outbreak, to reduce the long term viral shedding and improve herd immunity. There are currently no official requirements for vaccination against equine herpes virus in the United Kingdom, but it is required for thoroughbreds racing in France.

Types of EHV

EHV-1 can cause respiratory disease in young horses, abortion in pregnant mares and paralysis in horses of all ages and types. The neurological form that causes paralysis is called EHV-1 myeloencephalopathy (EHM).

EHV-2 rarely leads to clinic signs, but it can suppress immunity and make the horse more prone to other infections as well as causing respiratory disease in some cases.

EHV-3 is a venereal disease that causes lesions on the penis of stallions and the vulva of mares.

EHV-4 usually causes low-level respiratory problems, but can occasionally cause abortion. It is also known as equine rhinopneumonitis virus.

EHV-5 is associated with pneumonia and lung scarring (equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis) in adult horses

EHV-6 to EHV-9 cause infections in wild equids, including asses and zebra.

Is it serious?

While most cases of EHV result in a relatively mild respiratory disease, it can cause either a single or group of pregnant mares to miscarry their unborn foals without warning, or a horse to show mild neurological abnormalities when walking and within hours be unable to stand.

The risks should not be under-estimated and a vet should be contacted for any horse showing signs. Data from recent outbreaks suggest the virus may be becoming more virulent, i.e. more likely to spread. This is another reason why effective biosecurity is so important.

Following the major outbreak in Europe in spring 2021, the FEI put in place new horse health requirements to help protect horses competing at international events.

What are the signs of equine herpes virus?

Most often seen in groups of young horses (weaned foals and yearlings), the signs of the respiratory form of the disease may include:

Raised temperature
Coughing
Watery nasal discharge that can become thick and infected
Lack of interest in food
Swollen glands around the throat
Conjunctivitis

Signs of the neurological disease may include:

Lethargy
Hind limb weakness and a lack of coordination
Head tilt
Inability to lift the tail
Dribbling urine/difficulty in urinating
Leaning against a fence or wall
Inability to stand
Neurological signs may be preceded by fever and respiratory signs

In abortion cases, the mare will unexpectedly lose her unborn foal, or a foal carried to term may be born weak, with breathing problems and die within the first few days.

Respiratory disease caused by EHV is most often seen in weaned foals and yearlings, typically in autumn and winter. However, older horses can also pick up the virus without showing obvious signs and then transmit it to others. The ability to shed the virus without showing signs is why EHV can spread widely leading to abortion in pregnant mares and cases of EHV neurological disease in horses of all types and ages.

How is it spread?

A horse becomes infected with EHV by inhaling the virus that has been expelled into the air by an infected horse coughing or sneezing, or it can be transmitted via infection in the local environment, or directly from horse to horse.

Unlike equine flu, EHV does not travel long distances in the air (only up to about 50 metres), but it is thought to be increasingly infectious and can spread quickly within groups of horses that are living together either in paddocks, open barns or America barn-style stable yards, or when they come into contact with other horses at shows or training events.

The incubation period may be as short as 24 hours, but more typically is approximately four to six days, and horses are most infectious in the early stages of infection (when their temperature is raised). This is why regular twice daily monitoring of temperatures is a wise protective precaution.

When mares abort due to the EHV infection, the fetus, fetal membranes and fluids can release large quantities of infectious virus into the local environment, which can then be inhaled or spread indirectly by those caring for the mare and the equipment they use. This is a particular concern when horses are stabled with shared air space, which allows the virus to spread, such as within a barn, without the wind being able to dissipate the infection as it would in an outdoor paddock. The virus can survive in the local environment for up to a month after being shed by a horse.

Diagnosis of equine herpes virus

Your vet will base their diagnosis on clinical history and signs, followed by tests to isolate the virus on nasal swabs taken as early as possible after infection is suspected.

In addition blood samples will be taken to measure the levels of antibodies in the blood when the horse is first examined by the vet and then again two to three weeks later. An increase in the levels of antibodies seen in the blood will confirm recent exposure to the virus.

Treatment of equine herpes virus

There is no specific treatment for EHV currently available, so careful nursing is key to helping horses recover. Because EHV is a virus, antibiotics are not effective against it, but your vet may prescribe them where a secondary infection is present. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce high temperatures and give pain relief where necessary. Intravenous fluids may be required in some cases. Occasionally anti-viral medications are prescribed, although these are not licensed for use in horses.

Horses showing signs of a respiratory infection should receive complete rest in a dust-free environment.

Horses showing neurological signs should be cared for in an appropriate location, such as a well-bedded stable, barn or paddock with feed and water within easy reach. If a horse becomes unable to stand and remains recumbent, nursing care becomes challenging and regrettably euthanasia may be recommended on welfare grounds. There are a few reports of some recumbent horses that have recovered with intensive care, careful nursing and support, for instance, with purpose-designed slings.

Mares that have aborted due to EHV usually appear well in themselves and do not require any special nursing, but they should be isolated for 28 days to reduce the chance to spreading the infection further and kept separate from other pregnant mares for eight weeks.

What to do during an equine herpes virus outbreak

If a case of EHV is confirmed on your yard, then all horse movement on and off the premise should cease. It is recommended that movement restrictions are kept in place for at least 28 days after the last case and that the local equestrian community should be informed.

Horses that are confirmed with EHV should be isolated with strict barrier nursing and biosecurity measures put in place to reduce the likelihood of the virus spreading. Ideally separate staff should attend to the infected horse(s) using suitable protective clothing and biosecurity protocols to reduce the risk of spread of infection.

The use of virucidal disinfectants and heat can destroy the virus so stables, equipment and transport should be cleaned, steam cleaned and then disinfected with an approved disinfectant. Bedding should be removed and destroyed. Where possible virucidal disinfectant should be allowed to dry naturally on suitable surfaces to maximise the chance of destroying the virus.

If there is an outbreak of EHV in your local area, it may be wise to stop hacking out or going to external training, shows or hunting to minimise the risk of coming in contact with the virus. This will help to contain the outbreak and prevent it spreading to other yards.

Can you vaccinate against equine herpes?

There is an equine herpes vaccine available with evidence of reduced respiratory disease and abortion in vaccinated animals, however the efficacy of vaccination to prevent the neurological form of the disease is unclear.

In non-pregnant horses, the primary vaccination course involves two vaccinations four to six weeks apart, followed by booster vaccines every six months. Pregnant mares are typically vaccinated at five, seven and nine months of gestation to reduce the risk of abortion associated with EHV.

It is not recommended to vaccinate any horse that may have recently been exposed to the virus. Horses that have no risk of having been exposed to the virus can receive the vaccination while an outbreak is ongoing, provided they are not going to be exposed in the near future, e.g. they are going to remain in a closed yard and are not going to be travelling. It is not recommended to vaccinate any horses in the vicinity of any suspected outbreak.

Vaccination is particularly useful for horses less than five years of age, those in contact with pregnant mares and horse kept where there are frequent equine movements on and off the premises.

How to prevent an equine herpes virus outbreak

Good biosecurity and hygiene practices are key. Even if your horse is vaccinated, you should still be strict in observing effective biosecurity measures.

Biosecurity recommendations include:

When away from your own yard, do not allow your horse to touch other horses, share drinking water or graze
Avoid touching other people’s horses or sharing any equipment
Practice hand washing in between handling horses
Keep separate feed buckets, brushes, towels, and tack/equipment for each horse
Know your horse’s normal temperature and take it twice a day, especially after your horse has been away to a show or external training session
Have a plan for isolating new arrivals or potentially infected horses
Early identification and reporting of ill horses is vital in order to trace possible points of exposure and to aid in the prevention of further spread of the disease.

There is a view that the management in the early stages following identification of a potentially infectious horse frequently determines the extent and scope of transmission and potential outbreak.

Always ensure you are ready for rapid implementation of an isolation plan at a competition grounds and/or at your home yard. Although not all yards have such a facility, it makes sense to isolate horses at first signs of illness and contact your vet immediately for advice.

When any new horse comes on to your yard, it should be isolated for three to four weeks to avoid bringing a new infection into an established group of horses. You should also consider what precautions to apply when a horse is returning to the yard from a show, training or veterinary treatment.

Due to being at particular risk from EHV, it is recommended that pregnant broodmares be kept separate from horses that are attending competitions or external training sessions.

If you have any concerns or questions, always consult your own vet.

Further reading

Latest update: 19 November, 2024

Equine herpes: horse confirmed dead and others blocked from competing

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 16:43:03 +0000

A horse confirmed with equine herpes virus (EHV-1) in Opglabbeek, Belgium has died, the FEI has confirmed.

The federation has given an update on the situation, and measures taken by the FEI, “in consultation with the organising committee and the Belgian national federation”.

“The affected horse, which had already left the venue, presented neurological signs for EHV-1 upon returning home which were subsequently confirmed through an EHV-1 test,” an FEI spokesman said. “The horse unfortunately died on 31 March and the FEI is following up on the circumstances of the horse’s death.”

More than 30 horses who are deemed to have been in contact with the horse, those stabled in the same area since 22 March including those who had already left the venue, have been blocked from competing in the FEI database as a precaution. The people responsible and their national federations and national head vets have all been notified.

“All blocked horses have been isolated and will be prevented from attending any FEI events until they have fulfilled certain health requirements which are imposed in order to minimise any potential transmission of the virus, both to their own horses and the wider horse population,” the FEI spokesman said.

Mandatory biosecurity measures include isolation for a minimum of 21 days, taking twice-daily rectal temperatures and conducting laboratory testing for EHV-1. Release from isolation can only take place on the advice of a vet and to be unblocked, and have access to FEI events, horses have to comply with all return to competition protocols and have the restriction lifted by the FEI veterinary department.

“We are grateful for the community’s vigilance in all matters of biosecurity and once again reiterate the importance of the horse health requirements, and the necessity to fulfil these via the FEI HorseApp to ensure the maximum safety for all horses competing at international events,” the spokesman said.

“All information in relation to the horse health requirements is available on the dedicated hub. Should you have any questions regarding this matter, don’t hesitate to contact the veterinary department.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Eight horses showing neurological signs in hospital after equine herpes virus outbreak

Becky Murray — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 13:03:59 +0000

Nine horses are receiving “close monitoring” in hospital in Valencia – eight of whom are showing neurological signs of equine herpes virus (EHV-1).

H&H reported that the organisers of the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour in Oliva Nova, Spain, had cancelled the second part of the showjumping tour (7-26 February) as four horses on site had tested positive for EHV-1. Ten horses, six of whom were showing signs of illness, were put in isolation on 21 February. Swabs were taken, four of which were positive, four negative and two inconclusive. At the time none of the horses were showing signs of neurological illness.

The Valencia Veterinary department decided that all the horses stabled in the same tent as the four that had tested positive had to remain on the venue for at least one week.

In an FEI update on 2 March a spokesman said the Oliva organising committee had set up a “strong organisation” and continues to closely collaborate with the authorities, the national federation and the FEI. The Spring MET III Tour (7-26 March) has been cancelled and the organising committee has put meetings in place to keep all athletes informed on the most recent development.

The spokesman added that the venue is operating under the auspices of the regional veterinary authority, which is monitored by the federal veterinary authority, MAPA. An FEI vet has been appointed as responsible for the venue, leading the work on site and reporting back to the regional veterinary authority.

“To date, there are nine horses at the University Equine Hospital in Valencia (CEU) for close monitoring, eight of which have displayed neurological signs. As a preventive measure and to ensure enough treating space, the FEI has ordered 12 temporary boxes to be set up at the hospital grounds in case more horses are brought in,” said the FEI spokesman, adding that 103 horses remain at the venue in Oliva, and these have been divided into groups depending on their health status.

“The temperature of all horses at the venue is taken two to three times daily, and in the latest report from 1 March, no horse had presented fever or any clinical signs.”

MAPA, supported by the FEI, has extended the initial safety measures to avoid a further spread of virus from the venue. To leave the venue, horses must present a negative sample, followed by a second sample 14 days later, and a third on day 15. All three samples must be negative for EHV.

To be unblocked from the FEI database and return to competition horses must fulfil certain health requirements; either 21 days’ isolation with a nasopharyngeal sample taken on day 21 at the earliest – or a minimum isolation of 14 days, with a sample taken on day seven, and a second sample taken seven days later at the earliest. All samples must be analysed by a PCR and return negative. The measures also include twice-daily rectal temperatures.

“Release from isolation” can only take place on the advice of a vet, and to be compete at an FEI event, horses need to complete with all the return to competition precautions and have the restriction lifted by the FEI vet department.

In Lier, Belgium, where one horse had tested positive, the venue has been “given the green light” to reopen for competitions following an inspection by the Belgian national head vet. The affected horse, and each of the 25 in-contact horses, may not attend any FEI events under they have fulfilled “certain health requirements”, which are imposed in order to minimise any potential transmission of the virus, to their own horses and the wider horse population.

Discussing the current status of the spread of the disease, the FEI spokesman confirmed seven horses departed Oliva prior to the first confirmed case of EHV-1; one travelled to Valencia, Spain, four to Vejer de la Frontera, Spain, and two to Doha, Qatar.

“They were immediately isolated on request of the FEI and are currently applying the FEI return to competition protocols while in isolation. To date, none of the horses have been reported to present fever or clinical signs,” he said.

The spokesman added that six horses returning from Oliva to Limburg, the Netherlands, have tested positive for EHV-1 and have been placed in quarantine, where they are being closely monitored.

“Unrelated to Oliva, in Vilamoura, Portugal, two horses with fever were placed in isolation, however their test results for EHV-1 were negative,” he said.

EHV prompts temporary British competition ban for horses returning from affected shows

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 11:05:03 +0000

All horses returning from shows in Lier, Belgium, and Oliva Nova, Spain will be temporarily banned from competing in this country as a result of confirmed cases of equine herpes virus (EHV-1) in Europe.

H&H reported yesterday that four horses at the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour and one at Lier had tested positive for the virus.

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and British Showjumping (BS) have now announced measures to protect horses in this country.

“All horses returning to the UK from these shows from 00.01hrs on Saturday, 18 February will be required to isolate and will not be allowed to attend any national competitions until a period of isolation of 21 days is completed or they have undertaken laboratory tests which confirm negative results,” a BEVA statement said.

“Testing with negative results based on samples collected at least 10 days apart in accordance with [these] details will be accepted as evidence of clearance with restrictions on competition attendance then lifted by the FEI. This date of commencement of enhanced risk aversion may change as more information becomes available from the FEI.”

BEVA added that it would be “prudent, although it is not mandatory”, for yards to isolate and test horses who returned from either venue before 18 February. Detailed quarantine procedures are available on the BEVA website.

A BS spokesman said: “We would like to remind all members about the need to have biosecurity measures in place when introducing new horses to yards and the importance of monitoring horse’s temperatures and health especially if you are stabling away from home amongst other horses.”

Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons said it can help with diagnostic testing of horses.

Information about biosecurity is available on the British Equestrian website.

Major showjumping tour cancelled after horses test positive for equine herpes virus

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 10:56:12 +0000

The organisers of the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour (MET) in Oliva Nova, Spain, have cancelled the second part of the tour (7-26 February) as four horses on site have tested positive for equine herpes virus (EHV-1). Another horse has also tested positive in Lier, Belgium.

Ten horses, six of whom were showing signs of illness, were put in isolation on Tuesday (21 February), in line with FEI veterinary rules. All had been stabled in the same tent.

Swabs were taken, four of which were positive, four negative and two inconclusive. None of the horses are showing signs of neurological illness.

“The Valencia Veterinary Department has decided that all 82 horses stabled in the same tent as those four that have returned positive tests must remain on the venue for at least one week,” a spokesman for the tour organisers said. “It is required that all of these horses take a test on Thursday 23 February, followed by a second test seven days later. Horses that return negative tests will then be free to leave the venue. These horses will have to return to their home stables, and will be blocked in the FEI database according to FEI rules.”

A total of 989 horses have been taking part in the tour, but all others who have not been stabled in the tent affected are allowed to leave the site as long as a veterinary check shows them free of any signs of illness.

All these horses will have to return home and will be blocked from competing.

“The organising committee of the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour is working closely with the Valencia Veterinary Department as well as the FEI, and follows all protocols to protect the horses,” the spokesman said.

“For all participants at all competitions, please be reminded of the importance of the biosecurity requirements and best practices in the FEI veterinary regulations. Checking and recording temperatures twice daily is mandatory at FEI events.”

In Lier, a horse showing signs at the weekend was isolated, and EHV-1 was confirmed at the start of the week. The horse and another 25 deemed to have been in contact were blocked from the FEI database.

Blocked horses may not compete until they have fulfilled certain health requirements, imposed to minimise transmission of the virus. Mandatory biosecurity measures include isolation for a minimum of 21 days, taking twice-daily rectal temperatures and conducting lab testing for EHV-1.

“Release from isolation can only take place on the advice of a veterinarian and in order to be ‘unblocked’ and have access to FEI events, the horses will need to comply with all the return to competition protocols and have the restriction lifted by the FEI veterinary department,” an FEI spokesman said.

“We are grateful for the community’s vigilance in all matters of biosecurity and once again reiterate the importance of the horse health requirements and all the preventative measures the community can actively apply in order to minimise the risk of disease transmission.”

Vet suspended by FEI for failing to carry out EHV-1 by-laws he thought were ‘stupid’

Becky Murray — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:03:18 +0000

A vet who admitted not following equine herpes virus (EHV-1) by-laws, which he claimed were “stupid”, has been suspended by the FEI for three years.

The FEI launched disciplinary proceedings against Belgian vet Marc Juul H Schelkens after it was discovered he failed to implement biosecurity measures required under the EHV-1 by-laws at a number of events in Lier and Bonheiden in 2021. The by-laws – brought in last year following the European EHV-1 outbreak in which 18 horses died – require horses to be examined by the veterinary delegate on arrival at FEI events and their temperatures recorded on the FEI HorseApp.

The FEI notified Schelkens of the proceedings, and in his response on 26 April 2022 he claimed other officials told him that in Spain and Italy it was “common practice not to take temperatures [at events]” and that if a veterinary delegate claims to be applying the by-laws properly, “you know he’s cheating”. He added that he did not want to officiate at events until mandatory EHV vaccination is brought in.

In June Schelkens wrote to the FEI Tribunal and “admitted not having applied the EHV-1 by-laws”, stating they were “impossible to carry out”. He accepted a three-year suspension, but did not indicate whether he admitted breaching the veterinary regulations or the officials’ code of conduct – or if he accepted a fine.

When Schelkens and the FEI could not reach an agreement on these “outstanding matters”, and as there was no request for an oral hearing, the Tribunal informed both that a decision would be based on the case file.

The FEI claimed Schelkens failed to take horses’ temperatures at a showjumping competition in Lier (3–7 November 2021). When asked by the foreign judge about the temperature checks, Schelkens said he did not perform the check, as he did not want to. He told the judge he had previously informed the FEI that the procedure was “not necessary and he did not want to do it any more”. But on the same day the judge noticed the temperatures had been recorded in the HorseApp, and he claimed he saw Schelkens “filling the HorseApp [in] with his phone”. The judge believed it could only have been “fake” data.

According to a chief steward’s witness statement, at four events in Bonheiden, Schelkens took horses’ temperature via their nostrils, not rectally as required by the rules. In his veterinary reports from the events Schelkens stated the examination is “dangerous”, “it simply takes too long”, the HorseApp “should be more user-friendly”, and the rules were “so stupid” and “not effective”. In one report Schelkens said he was “seriously thinking” of stopping his work for the FEI if the situation continued.

The FEI submitted that Schelkens “knowingly and deliberately” failed to take temperatures – and “blatantly disregarded and refused to apply” a number of biosecurity rules. The FEI said not only had he “endangered the health of participating horses by refusing to perform one of the key biosecurity measures” but he also falsified official records. The FEI argued that Schelkens’ non-compliance with the biosecurity measures breached the officials’ code of conduct and brought the FEI and/or the sport into disrepute.

The FEI considered Schelkens’ behaviour “serious misconduct” and wished to “send a signal to all stakeholders in the sport that this is not acceptable”. The FEI asked the Tribunal to consider that the offences involved the “potential maltreatment of horses” and that Schelkens had resorted to “fraudulent behaviour intended to deceive”.

The Tribunal said although Schelkens admitted not applying by-laws, he did not appear to do so to gain “personal advantage” and ruled that though he breached the FEI vet rules, he did not breach the officials’ code of conduct by expressing negative opinions

“If we were to accept the FEI’s interpretation, no stakeholder, rider, trainer or official could ever express opinions regarding rules, regulations and measures adopted by the FEI, without having the risk of infringing the officials’ code of conduct,” stated the Tribunal report.

The Tribunal found the breaches of the by-laws “very serious offences” and took into account Schelkens’ role as an FEI official. The Tribunal upheld Schelkens’ three-year suspension and fined him 2,000 CHF (£1,754). He must also pay 1,000 CHF (£877) towards the FEI’s legal costs.

EHV-1 vaccinations will not be compulsory for FEI competitions following major outbreak

Becky Murray — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 14:44:34 +0000

MANDATORY vaccination against equine herpes virus (EHV) will not be introduced by the FEI, as there is “insufficient scientific justification”.

During the 2022 FEI sports forum it was announced that mandatory vaccination was being considered by the FEI, but it was explained that none of the current vaccinations against EHV claim to prevent against the neurological form of the disease. The FEI said two proposals would be considered; keeping the situation under review, and deferring a rule proposal to the 2023 FEI general assembly at the earliest – or implementing mandatory vaccination from 2025 in countries with available licensed vaccines(news, 5 May).

The FEI has now published the final part of the report on the 2021 EHV-1 European outbreak, in which 18 horses died and competition was halted for six weeks. The report looks at “the way forward”, and includes feedback from the FEI veterinary epidemiology working group and veterinary committee.

“As current vaccines are also ineffective against the neurological form of EHV-1, it was agreed further research needs to take place to allow the development of improved vaccines.”

The FEI spokesman said the group was unanimous that the implementation of enhanced biosecurity measures would be the “best financial investment currently”, raising the overall standard at events and also providing horses with protection against other infectious diseases, as well as neurological EHV-1. The veterinary committee “strongly supports personal choice” and “stressed” national federations and stakeholders must have the right to vaccinate their horses against the disease.

The report discussed that risk classification of FEI events is “key” and will allow resources to be allocated where they are most needed, such as high-risk events with many horses on site for weeks. It said this approach would be adapted to individual events, and the application of preventive measures would depend on the event and discipline. Currently all jumping tours are considered “high risk” – although some tour venues have smaller stabling units with “excellent” biosecurity protocols – so identifying the higher-risk events within tours is “vital”.

FEI veterinary director Göran Åkerström said the publication of the final part of the report is a “significant milestone”.

“It marks the end of an important – and very sad – chapter in the history of our community, but a chapter from which we have all learned so much,” he said.

FEI president Ingmar De Vos thanked the individuals and organisations that gave time and financial resources to help through the “crisis”.

“Tragically there were horses lost, but without that incredible community-wide support I believe the outcome could have been very different,” he said. “It is important we now have much stronger biosecurity measures in place and a clear way forward mapped out which offers the best possible protection against infectious disease outbreaks for the future.”

‘A living hell’: breeder speaks up on EHV abortion storm after seven foals die

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 19:01:37 +0000

A breeder who has lost seven foals in the last year has spoken up about the “living hell” of an equine herpes virus (EHV) abortion storm in hopes it may prevent more deaths.

Vets have confirmed that EHV was responsible for the deaths of foals this year at MFS Studfarm. Caroline Ironside, who owns and runs the Scottish stud with her husband Gordon, told H&H that in 25 years of breeding, she had experienced nothing like the past few months.

“It’s been horrific, emotional, traumatising,” she said. “I wouldn’t wish this on the worst person in the world.”

The stud was expecting nine foals this year but lost two pregnant mares last autumn. Then, when Storm Arwen hit in late November, all hell broke loose.

“We had a horrific time,” Caroline said. “Two barns were demolished, three roofs lost, there was debris flying everywhere. Some of the mares had roofs in their stables and we managed to move some youngsters out of one before the whole thing collapsed. We were concerned about the effects of stress on the mares but nothing happened and we thought we’d weathered the storm.”

In January, the Ironsides’ jumping mare MFS Corina Bella aborted a filly. A post-mortem showed a twisted umbilical cord had caused the foal’s death, so it could not have been prevented.

But in March, having shown no signs of impending labour, Elegan Zitchy was found in her stable with a foal who was barely alive.

“By the time the vet got there, the foal had died,” Caroline said. “We blamed ourselves for not being there.”

But a couple of weeks later, a filly born to Dauphine B also died in her owners’ arms.

“It’s horrific because some of the foals are born dead and others are alive but the virus attacks their lungs so they’re born gasping for breath,” Caroline said. “And it doesn’t happen fast; it’s just horrific.”

As this was so similar to the previous foal, the filly was sent for a post mortem, which confirmed EHV.

“As soon as we knew, the biosecurity kicked in,” Caroline said. “If we’d been a livery or competition yard, we’d have gone public then, and shut down, but there was no impact for any other venues or owners so we just did everything we could. We disinfected everything, staff were all dealing with different barns and different horses, in different clothes; you name it. We vaccinated everything, thinking it might be too little, too late, but we tried to cover all bases.”

Caroline explained that in previous years, when mares were coming and going from the stud, she vaccinated her mares against EHV. But as the stud is now a closed herd, with no horses coming in to bring the virus, and having consulted her vet, she had not vaccinated.

But she has since learned that the virus can lie dormant in horses for years. Vets believe the stress caused by the storm was enough to activate the virus, which could be then spread to other horses.

In early April, a filly born to Lady Fabienne died 24 hours later and on 18 April, Harmony gave birth to a dead foal.

“It got so bad, I even asked our vets if it was not worth us aborting the remaining two pregnancies,” Caroline said. “The thought of going through all this another two times just filled me with dread and anxiety, as this silent killer waits until the mare is almost near foaling when it strikes. You just get over the mental torture of one loss and then it hits you again.”

Caroline added that she is grateful the vets advised against this because, on 30 May, there came a “ray of light”. MFS Dolce De Haar gave birth to a colt foal, named Sunny Jim (pictured), who is thriving.

“There seems to be no rhyme or reason for the whole thing, or why this one has survived,” Caroline said, adding that it may be owing to the fact Dolce was less far along in her pregnancy than the mares who foaled earlier, so the vaccine may have had some effect.

“It’s so difficult to look at all our pastures and see mares with no foals, but we are feeling blessed that we have a foal to bring some light to the darkness of the last seven months.”

Caroline, who still has one mare due to foal next month, shared her story in hopes of raising awareness of the devastating effects of EHV in pregnant mares.

“I thought do I or do I not go public but I wanted to be honest with people,” she said. “I’ve since heard from an amazing number of breeders in the UK who have had similar; most either hadn’t vaccinated or vets weren’t doing vaccinations because of Covid. One breeder said they don’t vaccinate but will definitely consider it now. The vet said our horses will have antibodies for the next year but we’re vaccinating everything now.”

A post Caroline wrote on Facebook about the issue has been shared almost 1,000 times, all over the world.

“I’ve been breeding 25 years and this is the most horrific thing ever,” she said. “We’ve had bad times but nothing compared to what we’ve gone through this year, and if I can spread the word, and stop someone else going through this, I’m all for it.

“I’ve had people in touch saying they didn’t vaccinate because they’ve got closed herds, and to say thank you. Vaccination is expensive, but it’s nothing compared to losing a foal.”

Mandatory equine herpes vaccinations for sport horses under consideration

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 02 May 2022 12:43:44 +0000

MANDATORY vaccination against equine herpes virus (EHV) is being considered by the FEI – although this is no silver bullet, and the community must work together to minimise the chances of disease outbreaks.

The second day of the 2022 FEI sports forum covered proposed amendments to the general and veterinary rules, as well as those for eventing, dressage and para dressage.

Chair of the FEI veterinary committee Jenny Hall said the community well remembers the 2021 European EHV-1 outbreak, in which 18 horses died, and which caused a shutdown of competition.

“We all remember how hard everyone worked together to overcome the outbreak,” she said. “Today is about how we move on.”

Lutz Goehring, a professor of equine infectious diseases, explained that none of the current vaccinations against EHV claim to prevent the neurological form of the disease, referred to as EHM.

“The vaccinations will help reduce EHM numbers in an outbreak but not abolish it, or prevent an outbreak completely,” he said. “This is a very difficult topic.”

He added: “It takes a whole village; vaccination alone will not do the trick.”

Prof Goehring explained that vaccination coverage of over 85% is needed, but also “concerted effort” from the whole community, as well as compliance with protective measures and “proactive thinking”. Best-practice biosecurity, considering distance and barriers between horses at events and the importance of removing a horse shedding the virus into isolation are key.

FEI veterinary director Göran Åkerström put forward two proposals to be considered: for the FEI to seek further input and keep the situation under review, deferring a rule proposal on mandatory vaccination to the 2023 FEI general assembly at the earliest, or to implement mandatory vaccination from 2025, in countries with available licensed vaccines.

One measure brought in to combat the spread of EHV was daily recording of horses’ temperature on the FEI HorseApp. But it was pointed out that a number of riders have been fined for not complying with this, because wi-fi at some events is not good enough for the app to function.

Wi-fi was one of the top issues discussed in the general rules revision session; a survey was sent to stakeholders last year as part of an event standards project, to identify issues at competitions.

Other subjects that came up were the need sometimes for better grooms’ facilities, and also stable security at shows. International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) president Kevin Staut said that although security is tighter at higher-level events than one- and two-star shows, there will often be Saturday evenings when “many, many people come to the stables who have nothing to do there”.

He added that he understands sponsors and connections want to see behind the scenes, and this access is important for organisers, but that he has seen children with sweets, for example, wanting to feed the horses. IJRC director Eleonora Ottaviani warned of contamination risks, also from, for example, visitors on medication that poor security can cause.

Kevin said at some lower-level shows there are no gates to the stables. Swedish dressage rider Patrik Kittel agreed on security, adding that at his last eight shows, his accreditation was only checked at four of them.

California EHV-1 outbreak: seventh horse put down, as Nations Cup leg cancelled

Becky Murray — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 16:21:36 +0000

Another horse has been put down during the ongoing California equine herpes virus (EHV-1) outbreak, bringing the number of fatalities to seven.

To date, eight counties in California have confirmed EHV-1 cases – four of these reporting the neurological form of the virus.

In the latest update from the California Department of Food & Agriculture (9 March) it was confirmed a 15-year-old gelding in San Mateo, who had a confirmed case of neurological EHV-1, was put down owing to the severity of his clinical signs. Another horse at the same site has tested positive for EHV-1, but is not showing neurological signs at present. CFDA is on site at the premises and 52 horses who have been exposed to the virus have been quarantined.

Seven horses have now died during the outbreak. Further EHV-1 positives, including some neurological cases, have been confirmed at two premises in Orange County, but no further cases have been reported at the affected facilities in Los Angeles County, Alameda County, Riverside County. In an update yesterday a spokesman from Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, where daily testing has been taking place, said three of its barns had been released from quarantine.

On 6 March BlenheimEquiSports announced that the San Juan Capistrano leg of the showjumping Nations Cup (10-15 May) was cancelled, in a decision supported by US Equestrian (USEF) and the FEI. The decision follows the California state vet recommending that all hunter/jumper events were postponed for 28 days, and all other equine events and non-essential horse movement was postponed for 14 days.

“The safety and welfare of our members and their horses is our top priority and most important responsibility, and while we are disappointed for the BlenheimEquiSports management team and all of the athletes, we are fully supportive of this decision while the mitigation and containment efforts for EHV-1 are still ongoing in California,” said USEF chief executive Bill Moroney.

“We are thankful to the FEI for their understanding and continued alignment with us given the circumstances we’ve faced on the West Coast this season.”

British Eventing reintroduces EHV self-certification forms to minimise risk of outbreaks

Becky Murray — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 17:01:10 +0000

Equine herpes virus (EHV) self-certification forms have been reintroduced for British Eventing (BE) competitions to “minimise the risk” of future outbreaks.

Today (8 March) BE announced that “based on equine welfare best practice”, forms must be submitted to organisers before events, with immediate effect.

EHV self-certification forms were introduced for FEI competitions following the European EHV-1 outbreak last year, as was the requirement for those competing under FEI rules to use the FEI Horse App, which provides traceability and monitoring of horse health at FEI events.

A BE spokesman said it was important that both national and international horses arriving at the same competition have had the same declaration/checks prior to arrival. The process requires that a form is submitted to the event organiser 24 hours before arrival and can be completed by either the rider or groom.

“While it is only an official requirement for international competitions where national classes may, or may not, be included within the schedule we felt it was best practice in the interests of equine welfare that we made it a standard requirement for the season ahead across all events within our calendar,” said BE chief executive Helen West.

“It only takes one horse to be at an event for there to be an outbreak and we feel it is important to ensure we do all we can to minimise the risk. EventingScores will have a link to the form which is easily completed online when you download your number for printing. I would like to thank all of our members for working with us to ensure the highest level of biosecurity and protecting the health of our competition horses.”

A British Dressage (BD) spokesman told H&H EHV self-certification forms are not currently required for BD events, as there are not many national fixtures that run alongside FEI competitions. But shows where there are international and national classes may look to implement their own self-certification forms.

“We’ll continue to monitor EHV data closely with our veterinary advisors and if the risk is heightened, we may look to bring the requirement in once again,” said the BD spokesman.

California EHV-1 outbreak: six horses put down as competition is halted

Becky Murray — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 13:02:46 +0000

Equestrian competitions have been suspended in California for two weeks owing to an ongoing equine herpes (EHV-1) outbreak in which six horses have been put down.

Yesterday (4 March) the California Department of Food & Agriculture said the neurological strain of EHV-1 had been detected in multiple horses in several counties in California. The California state vet has recommended that all hunter/jumper events, the most affected group, are postponed for 28 days, and that all equine events and non-essential horse movement is postponed for 14 days.

To date cases have been reported in horses who had been competing at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, the Los Angeles Equestrian Centre, and a venue in Rancho Murieta. Six horses have been put down owing to the severity of their clinical signs.

A spokesman for US Equestrian (USEF), which has suspended its competitions across California, said as return-to-competition protocols are implemented, more horses will be tested, which will result in more positive test results for horses.

“EHV-1 lives dormant in many horses. The increase in positives is expected as we test asymptomatic horses for EHV-1. The additional testing will allow the USEF community to mitigate the spread of the virus and safeguard horses,” he said.

“The expected increase in confirmed positive EHV-1 cases is not necessarily alarming if the horse is asymptomatic.”

“We all recognise that horses with clinical EHV-1 are high risk when it comes to risk of transmission. What most people forget is that infection does not always translate into disease, meaning that adult horses can shed EHV-1 without displaying any abnormal clinical signs,” added Nicola Pusteria, professor of medicine and epidemiology at UC Davis Veterinary Medicine.

When sport restarts, USEF will provide an EHV-1 declaration form for competitors to complete on arrival at competitions as a further measure to protect horses and facilitate tracking. In order for horses to compete at FEI competitions, horses must have a negative EHV-1 PCR test.

‘Mistakes were made’: poor decisions and human error contributed to European EHV-1 outbreak

Becky Murray — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 11:09:53 +0000

POOR decision-making, a lack of cooperation and human error are among the factors contributing to the equine herpes (EHV-1) outbreak that brought horse sport across Europe to a halt during spring 2021, as the FEI concludes “mistakes were made”.

The outbreak started in February when a number of horses who had been competing at the showjumping CES Valencia Spring Tour tested positive for EHV-1, and resulted in a six-week shutdown of equestrian sport across the continent. In total, 18 equines died during the outbreak, and 10 countries had confirmed cases.

Concerns were raised at the time about the management of the outbreak and in March 2021 the FEI said it would conduct a “full and thorough investigation”. On 28 February 2022 the first section of a three-part report was published, providing a “comprehensive and factual picture” of the outbreak and analysis.

The report states that on 20 February, the FEI was first notified of horses with a fever at CES Valencia. The FEI told organisers to cancel the event – but the following day the show continued. It was eventually stopped that afternoon when the FEI warned disciplinary action would be taken if it did not stop immediately.

That day, 131 horses from 11 countries left the venue without the “required health papers”. On 22 February the FEI traced and blocked all 752 horses from CES Valencia on the FEI database.

The FEI received information that examination on arrival at the venue “was not correctly conducted” and despite “numerous requests” for the organising committee to provide the FEI with its biosecurity contingency plan – a plan venues must have under FEI rules – this was never provided.

The FEI was told there was “knowledge on site” at CES Valencia of an EHV-1 case in a horse who left the venue on 14 February and returned to France, but there was no official communication to the authorities, the FEI or those at the event. Although six horses onsite had a fever on 19 February and despite the knowledge of the French case, no action was taken to isolate sick horses at CES Valencia that day, and the FEI was not told immediately.

The investigation included the Spanish Sunshine Tour at Vejer de la Frontera, where two horses showed signs of EHV-1, but none tested positive on site. According to sources, the report states, there was an “unwillingness” at the show to test horses specifically for EHV-1. The report states it is “likely” at least one of the horses who left CES Valencia for the Sunshine Tour from 7 to 14 February carried the virus and transmitted it to one or more horses – and examination on arrival at the Sunshine Tour “was not correctly conducted”.

The report concluded while it was “not possible to pinpoint” a single reason or person responsible for the outbreak, several risk factors were present including a lack of preparedness and compliance with regulations, combined with poor decision-making and a lack of cooperation with the FEI.

“The disease itself was not the problem, rather it was the management of it, and unfortunately there were factors – including human error – that allowed the virus to spread much more rapidly than it would have done if the mandated biosecurity protocols had been followed correctly and immediately,” read the report.

“In hindsight, the FEI should have requested permission from the Spanish authorities to allow additional veterinarians on site more rapidly. The FEI did not send help earlier because FEI headquarters was not immediately informed how critical the situation was until alerted by an owner whose horse was seriously ill.”

CES Valencia did not respond to H&H’s request for a comment. A spokesman for the Sunshine Tour told H&H they did not wish to comment.

We all have a role in preventing spread of equine disease: new guide released

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 20:01:59 +0000

MITIGATING the real risk of spreading equine disease and so protecting our horses’ welfare is a team effort, in which we all have a role, experts agree.

British Equestrian’s (BEF) equine infectious disease action group (EIDAG) has released a guide for its member bodies and organisers, and for general use, on reducing the risk of transmission.

Access the guide online

The group of nine volunteers was set up in autumn 2019, the year of the major equine flu outbreak in the UK, and comprises experts in equine infectious disease and medicine.

“The recent EHV [equine herpes virus] outbreak in Europe clearly demonstrated what is possible with a collaborative approach between horse owners, member bodies, veterinary practitioners, industry advisers and organisers,” said group chair Celia Marr. “We managed the situation promptly so there were no linked cases on home soil, but without us working together, the situation could have been much worse.

“We hope the guidance notes are the catalyst for instilling the principles of biosecurity and their importance for all who interact with equines, be they grassroots or professionals. Getting the key messages across, education and practical advice is crucial to reducing transmission risk and keeping disease in our equine population in check.”

Based on compliance and practices in place, events can run at gold, silver or bronze standard, or a combination, to show potential participants their level of biosecurity.

The guide also contains information on a number of diseases present in Britain.

BEF chief executive Jim Eyre said: “On behalf of the equine industry, I’d like to thank Celia and members of the EIDAG. Their selfless work and dedication towards producing this document and assistance during the EHV outbreak in Europe is commendable. This document paves the way for better biosecurity and education for all involved in equestrian activity and will only help to keep our horses safe from disease. I look forward to working with the group towards the next step.”

Dr Marr added: “Infectious disease is with us all time, but the welfare of our equines and mitigating the risk of transmission is a team effort. Responsibility lies with all of us in the equine community to work together and play a part.”

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) worked with the BEF on the guide, which will provide consistency in advice and protocols.

BEVA health and medicines committee chair David Rendle told H&H: “Equestrian competitions and gatherings present a major threat to equine health and welfare, as highlighted by the recent outbreaks of EHV in Spain that spread across mainland Europe.

“These guidelines facilitated the rapid response that helped to protect UK horses during that outbreak. Implementation of the guidelines will reduce the risk and potential impact of future disease outbreaks.”

+£230,000 raised to help cover vet bills for those in European EHV-1 outbreak

Becky Murray — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 17:12:48 +0000

More than £230,000 has been raised to support riders and owners affected by the European equine herpes virus (EHV-1) outbreak.

The EHV relief fund, set up by international riders Emile Hendrix, Peter Charles, Frederick Goltz, and supported by the FEI, European Equestrian Federation, International Jumping Riders Club, Jumping Owners Club, Equestrian Organisers and Riders Help Riders, has raised €272,413 (£233,148) for veterinary expenses for those affected.

Applications to the fund amounted to €354,476 (£303,383) and “thanks to the generosity” of donors, including amounts ranging from €1,000 (£855) to €100,000 (£85,586) it is thought that 76.8% of costs were covered. Claims ranged from more than €24,000 (£20,540) to less than €650 (£556).

International competition was halted for six weeks across mainland Europe following the “most serious outbreak in Europe for decades” which started in Valencia, Spain, in February. As a result, 18 horses died and more than 150 were affected.

Recipients of the fund expressed their gratitude to the creators and donors.

“We would like to express our great thanks to this EHV relief fund and to all those people and instances who supported all of us in this difficult situation,” said one.

Another said: “Thank you very much for your generous financial aid. We really appreciate your EHV relief fund and are thankful that our horses survived this nightmare.”

Frederick Goltz said the EHV-1 outbreak in Spain was “desperately traumatic” for all those affected.

“We were happy to be able to help ease some of the financial challenges through the fund. We owe a huge thank you to everyone who donated so generously and showed the true spirit of our sport,” he said.

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CES Valencia 2021 (Image credit: NO CREDIT)

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FEI president Ingmar De Vos said the FEI is happy to have been able to support the “great initiative” and the organisation congratulated everyone involved for making it happen.

“The financial support provided to the athletes through this fund has been crucial to them and has also once again demonstrated the great solidarity within our equestrian community,” he said.

All money in the fund has been disbursed and it has now been wound up.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

EHV quarantine restrictions lifted in UK as disease threat returns to normal level

Lucy Elder — Fri, 21 May 2021 17:50:45 +0000

Quarantine restrictions put in place as a result of EHV-1 outbreaks on the European mainland have been lifted for horses returning to the UK.

A quarantine process was put in place by British Showjumping, British Dressage and British Eventing in March after cases of EHV-1 in other European countries were linked to competitions in the Iberian Peninsula in March.

This was to contain any spread of the disease to Britain. All horses linked to these shows will have completed the quarantine process by early next week and British Equestrian (BEF) has reported that none showed any clinical signs of the disease on returning home.

“The EHV situation in March was an important wake-up call for us all,” said Professor Celia Marr, chairman of the BEF’s equine infectious disease advisory group.

“Riders and owners should always be vigilant and take great care to monitor horses returning from competitions and introducing new horses to the yard, whether abroad or in the UK, because serious diseases like EHV and strangles can spread any time groups of horses mix. Stringent biosecurity practice should be a priority on all yards.”

The group has concluded that the prevalence of EHV-associated disease has “returned to its typical background level”.

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A BEF statement added: “With immediate effect, this quarantine requirement has now been lifted and horses can return to [the] UK without any need to isolate.

“Horses going to European competitions may be required by the FEI to have pre-event testing and, for longer competitions, screening will be continuing during the competition. This, together with other biosecurity measures put in place by the FEI, gives confidence that quarantine is no longer needed.

“However, similar restrictions will be re-activated if there are further EHV outbreaks and our experience this spring suggests that this is an effective means to protect British horses. Yards are urged to operate under a strict biosecurity plan to preserve the health of their horses and minimise the spread of infection and disease.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Horse traceability is key as competition restarts after EHV-1 outbreak H&H Plus

Becky Murray — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 10:07:32 +0000

Riders must comply with a host of requirements to try to prevent another disease outbreak as internationsl sport starts again in Europe. H&H hears from the FEI and top riders on the new protocols

ENHANCED traceability of horses is a “key element” in minimising the risk of future disease outbreaks, as international sport returns in Europe.

Following a six-week shutdown across mainland Europe owing to the EHV-1 outbreak, competition restarted on 12 April with mandatory protocols introduced by the FEI, including temperature recording and testing for EHV-1 at shows with more than 400 horses and overnight stabling, and increased biosecurity (news, 8 April).

Riders must also use the FEI HorseApp to upload horse documents including passport numbers and negative test results, and to check horses in and out of venues. The app will also be used by vets to submit temperatures and record microchip details.

FEI veterinary director Göran Åkerström said the European outbreak had “underscored the importance” of early detection and action to prevent disease transmission.

“The HorseApp is a crucial tool to facilitate the traceability of horses attending FEI events, as well as for data-gathering to allow for better risk assessment analysis and informed decision-making,” he said.

“It is a key element in ensuring a safe return to competition and in minimising the impact of a disease outbreak in the future.”

FEI director of information and sports technology Gaspard Dufour added that data-driven technologies are a “key part of the solution” to the EHV-1 outbreak.

“We have been able to use the existing functionalities of the HorseApp to actively monitor horse movement and health status and added new modules that provide for a safer return to competition,” he said. “But importantly, the collection of this quantitative data is critical to tracking the evolution of the disease.”

Showjumper Matt Sampson, who is competing at Bonheiden, Belgium (15–18 April) told H&H his horses’ negative EHV-1 tests, taken before attending the venue, were uploaded to the HorseApp, and on arrival their temperatures were taken by a vet.

“The organisers are doing all they can to keep everything as safe as possible with regard to EHV-1 and Covid while still trying to run a show, which are two very difficult things to put together,” he said.

“The [EHV] tests required for events mean an added expense to an already expensive sport, but we need shows running. If people take precautions and are self-disciplined to the fact if they’re not sure about something they act on it and don’t leave anything to chance,it’s only a good thing to get everything back up and running.”

Olympic dressage rider Laura Tomlinson is due to compete at the Opglabbeek CDI in Belgium (22–25 April) and told H&H the EHV-1 protocols are the “right thing” for the sport.

“I think everyone is just doing their best to make sure there’s some accountability and that people are being very diligent about bringing horses or ponies to an event consciously and responsibly,” she said.

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Viable equine herpes virus survives on bedding for 48 hours, study finds H&H Plus

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 16:22:51 +0000

A study reveals more about how long the EHV-1 virus can survive on a range of materials and under different environmental conditions. H&H speaks to researchers and vets to find out more, and what this means for riders

VIABLE equine herpes virus (EHV-1) lingered on a range of environmental materials for 48 hours, a study has found.

Researchers from the Center for Companion Animal Studies, Colorado State University, found that the virus’s persistence, on a range of materials commonly found in yards, was likely to represent a transmission risk.

For the study, published in the Equine Veterinary Journal, the virus was applied to leather, polyester/cotton fabric, bedding materials – pinewood shavings and wheat straw – and plastic, and left in three different environmental conditions; 4°C, indoors and outdoors.

They found that although there were “significant reductions” in concentration in the first three hours, viable virus was still recovered after 48 hours.

“Barrier precautions should be used to prevent spread of EHV‐1 from unrecognised environmental reservoirs,” the study concluded.

Researcher Brandy A Burgess, an associate professor of epidemiology and infection control, and director of infection control at the University of Georgia’s veterinary teaching hospital, told H&H EHV-1 can be a challenge to manage, especially in the US where states have different laws.

“So it’s really something we want to understand more about, and about how to manage it,” she said.

She added that many horses can shed the virus without showing symptoms, so measures to mitigate spread should help decrease the risk of outbreaks.

“Another thing to note is that this was the virus all by itself,” she said. “In nature, it would be shed in saliva or mucus, which protects the bug, and so we’d expect it to last longer.”

Dr Burgess said materials that are fibrous or porous – those that cannot be scrubbed clean and disinfected – can harbour the virus, so the message for owners is “don’t share”.

“We shouldn’t be sharing any tack, brushes, rugs or buckets, not just because of this but because of anything that can be spread,” she said. “You shouldn’t walk through a facility and pet other horses; you’re at a competition, not a zoo; keep your hands to yourself.”

Sealing wooden surfaces, with marine paint or similar, will make them easier to clean and disinfect, and bedding should be changed between horses.

“What we’re trying to do is simple; to disrupt the chain of transmission,” she said.

David Rendle, chair of the British Equine Veterinary Association health and medicines committee, told H&H the study provides useful information on EHV’s ability to survive.

“But it is always difficult to extrapolate the results of studies of this type to a field setting,” he said. “The situation with EHV is further complicated by large numbers of horses carrying the virus without showing any signs of infection and acting as a reservoir for disease. Horses with signs of infection with herpes virus (coughing, nasal discharge, high temperature, abortion, wobbly hindlegs, difficulty urinating) remain the most likely source of infection for other horses. But this study highlights the importance of disinfection and biosecurity in general in preventing the spread of EHV.”

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EHV-1 update: self-certification forms for shows recommended but not compulsory

Becky Murray — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 17:33:59 +0000

As the mandatory requirement for self-certification forms for competitions comes to an end the equestrian community is being encouraged to keep the forms in place to protect horses.

Last week British Equestrian’s (BEF) Equine Infectious Diseases Action Group (EIDAG) advised that the UK’s EHV-1 risk had dropped to near “normal” levels, but reminded owners that as EHV is an endemic disease, the risk it poses to the UK equine population is continuous.

As part of the measures put in place to mitigate the risk of the European outbreak reaching the UK, on 18 March BEF and its member bodies introduced equine health self-certification forms on the EIDAG’s advice.

“The process was implemented at short notice and was mandated for all British Dressage, British Eventing and British Showjumping competitions up to yesterday (12 April),” said a BEF spokesman.

“Thank you to all the organisers, secretaries and competitors who readily embraced the process and made it work so successfully.”

The spokesman said while the mandate to use the forms has now ended, BEF and EIDAG are recommending to member bodies and show organisers that a revised version of the form be introduced as an “ongoing biosecurity measure” to protect equines and mitigate the risk of spreading infectious diseases.

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EIDAG chair Celia Marr said recent events have shown what can be achieved when the equestrian community works collectively to implement effective biosecurity measures such as self-certification.

“We actively encourage all member bodies, event organisers and horse owners to continue to make use of a self-certification process to ensure that horses coming to gatherings are as healthy as possible, in order to reduce risk of disease spread. Infectious disease management is a collective responsibility which everyone shares,” she said.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

‘Welcome news’ as UK EHV-1 risk drops to near ‘normal’ levels

Becky Murray — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 16:59:10 +0000

The risk of equine herpes virus (EHV-1) in the UK is nearing “normal levels” following the European outbreak.

On 18 March British Equestrian (BEF) announced that the risk to the UK had “mildly increased” since the outbreak in Valencia, which started on 20 February. In a statement today (7 April) the organisation said following the successful implementation of protocols for horses returning to this country from Europe, the risk to the UK had dropped.

“BEF’s Equine Infectious Diseases Action Group (EIDAG) has considered data on the prevalence of EHV-1 diagnosis in UK over the last three years and concluded that while EHV-1 remains a persistent and ever-present threat, the mildly increased disease risk level announced is now dropping towards the baseline number of cases seen in any other year,” said a BEF spokesman.

“The process of monitoring and laboratory testing, which was imposed on horses that had been in direct contact with EHV-1 outbreaks at competitions in the Iberian peninsula and subsequently across Europe, is going extremely well.”

Under BEF protocols horses that had competed in Europe were automatically suspended from competition on their return to the UK and it was strongly advised that they were isolated from other horses. In order to return competition, horses must have completed 28 days’ quarantine, with all horses on the premises free of clinical signs of EHV during that time, or laboratory testing.

“While some of the horses currently suspended from competition are still to complete the protocols that will enable them to compete in the UK, all horses that have completed the laboratory testing option have thus far shown no active infection,” said the spokesman.

“Currently, there is no change to the EIDAG’s recommendation that these testing protocols must be completed in full before these horses return to competition.”

The EIDAG is also recommending the use of the health self-certification forms for competition remains in place for the “foreseeable future” to help manage the risk.

“The group anticipates that by 12 April it may be possible to remove the current restriction that to attend UK horse gatherings, horses must have been resident in this country for the last 28 days,” said the BEF spokesman. “A new template will be circulated to BEF member bodies to remove this restriction after 12 April, providing the current disease risk level continues to fall.”

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BEF chief executive Jim Eyre said the EIDAG update was “welcome news”.

“We know EHV is endemic in this country but the threat posed by the European outbreak was a cause for great concern. I’d like to thank the member bodies and all their riders, owners and grooms, who embraced and followed the protocols so readily and with such commitment,” he said.

“We’re also grateful to the members of the EIDAG; Celia Marr and her team have been a huge support and played an instrumental part in mitigating any risk of the spread of EHV and keeping our collective equine population safe.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

EHV: safety measures in place as competition due to restart H&H Plus

Becky Murray — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 12:10:41 +0000

The FEI is preparing for the restart of equestrian competition in mainland Europe following a six-week shutdown owing to the serious outbreak of EHV-1. H&H finds out how it will work, and what safety measures are to be put in place

AS international competition prepares to restart following the suspension owing to the European equine herpes virus (EHV-1) outbreak, a number of preventative measures have been announced to make sure events are “as safe as possible”.

European competitions are scheduled to return from 12 April following a six-week shutdown to control the spread of the outbreak. Following an FEI stakeholder consultation on 24 March during which protocols and mitigation plans for outbreaks were discussed, new requirements have now been announced.

The measures, including some temporary provisions expected to be in place until 30 May, focus on six key areas; preparation of the venue before an event, other pre-event preparation, examination of horses on arrival, on site at event, departure from event, and jurisdiction including the FEI having the right to cancel competitions during an event if an outbreak occurs.

Requirements include organising committees submitting biosecurity and mitigation plans for disease outbreaks to the FEI veterinary department no later than one week before the event, and for events with more than 400 horses stabled overnight, biosecurity measures must be signed off by a independent vet – appointed by the country’s national federation – one week in advance of horse arrivals.

Venue stables must have good ventilation and one-way systems so horses cannot touch noses, and horses who travelled together must be stabled together. It is also recommended vaccinated horses should be stabled separately to those who have not been vaccinated, and isolation areas must not be in the same stable area as non-isolated horses. For competitions with more than 400 horses, negative EHV-1 tests are required before events, which should be loaded to the FEI HorseApp.

Riders or grooms must provide a self-certification form for all horses at the venue, including mandatory temperature monitoring charts for 10 days leading up to the event, and failure to comply will incur a fine of 400 Swiss francs (£306) per horse.

For competitions running over consecutive weeks, such as showjumping tours, where horses are stabled in the same airspace, horses must be tested for EHV-1 every Monday to remain at the venue. Microchips or passports must be scanned using the FEI HorseApp prior to leaving to ensure traceability.

FEI veterinary director Göran Åkerström said the protocols are primarily about preventative measures – but added that in the event of an outbreak, there must be traceability and provisions in place to manage, and shut the outbreak down.

“We clearly need to ensure this type of outbreak never happens again and any in future contained before they can cause the same type of devastating effects that we have seen,” he said.

“We cannot do this on our own, we need a community effort. The measures we have put in place, and especially how effective we will be in implementing those, will depend on our ability as a community to collaborate and fully endorse and implement them in each of our respective areas of responsibility.”

Dr Åkerström added that there has been discussion about introducing mandatory EHV vaccinations but as there is no vaccine that protects against the neurological form of EHV-1, and an ongoing shortage of the vaccine, the FEI does not plan to make vaccination a requirement.

“In Valencia vaccinated horses were very sick and a number died – although fully vaccinated, they still suffered tremendously,” he said. “Only when a vaccine is produced effectively protecting against the neurological form will we consider having mandatory vaccines.”

Events scheduled to take place following the shutdown include Pompadour Horse Trials, France (12–14 April), showjumping in Opglabbeek and Lier, Belgium (15–18 April), and Strzegom Horse Trials, Poland (15–18 April).

On 31 March, organisers of the Spanish Mediterranean Equestrian Tour at Oliva Nova announced the cancellation of the showjumping MET IV tour (13 April–2 May, pictured), owing to the deadlines of the new measures.

“Unfortunately, the deadline to submit the required biosecurity and mitigation plans to the FEI is in less than one week – which includes Easter. This short time frame makes it impossible for us to make the necessary pre-event preparations as described in the measures, and we see no option but to cancel,” said a MET tour spokesman.

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Sarah Radford — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 12:54:16 +0000

The showjumping community has united to create a relief fund to support those severely impacted by the EHV-1 outbreak in Spain.

A total of 18 horses have died and more than 150 were affected in the outbreak, described by the FEI as the most serious in Europe for decades. Many riders and owners have been left facing financial hardship because of substantial and unforeseen bills for emergency veterinary treatment.

The relief fund is offering to provide direct support to these individuals to help pay legitimate veterinary expenses related to the outbreak.

The fund has been set up by the FEI, the European Equestrian Federation (EEF), the International Jumping Riders Club, the Jumping Owners Club, Equestrian Organisers Group along with international riders Emile Hendrix, Peter Charles and Frederick Goltz. It has also joined forces with Riders Help Riders, a fundraising campaign already established by German event organiser and sports marketer Axel Milkau.

“A group of us wanted to set this up as it’s something that could have happened to any of us,” Peter told H&H.

“People walked into a nightmare situation and I believe we all have a duty of care to help our fellow riders, grooms, owners and professionals.

“We can’t replace horses or even begin to make up for what they have been through but if people can make a small donation, it will let them know that they have support behind them.”

Peter added that the combination of the pandemic and EHV-1 meant some riders and owners have been facing “unprecedented circumstances”.

“The welfare of the horses is paramount and there is no doubt that in some situations, money is now very tight,” he said. “Hopefully if we can lift some of the financial burden, it will provide some relief.”

Frederick Goltz added: “Despite these desperately distressing times, it has been heartwarming to see in practice what we all know to be true: that in our sport, the welfare of the horse comes first, no matter the circumstance.

“As part of that special community ethos, we would hope that the broader showjumping community will help to bear some of the costs, particularly in an environment made all the more difficult by Covid-19.”

So far €250,000 (£213,000) has been committed to the fund from the sponsors, other donors and fundraising efforts already undertaken by the Riders Help Riders team.

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Donations to the fund can be made via the following bank account, which has been set up through the FEI:

Banque Cantonale Vaudoise

Place St-François 14

1003 Lausanne – Switzerland

Account holder: Federation Equestre Internationale

IBAN: CH72 0076 7000 E536 6418 5

Account: E 5366.41.85 EUR

BIC/Swift: BCVLCH2LXXX

Reference: EHV_relief_fund

Any questions about the effort can be directed to: EHVRelief@FEI.org

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

No new herpes cases as last British horses due to come home from Valencia H&H Plus

Becky Murray — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 16:44:59 +0000

One more horse has died in the European outbreak but as the last four British horses in Valencia are being prepared to return home, the FEI has confirmed there had been no new reported outbreaks linked to Spain. H&H finds out what happens next

THERE have been no new reported outbreaks of equine herpes virus (EHV-1) linked to Spain – although one more horse has died – as the remaining British horses in Valencia prepare to return home, and plans are discussed for the resumption of international competition.

More than four weeks since the European outbreak started at the CES Valencia showjumping tour on 20 February, plans for the departure of the remaining horses at the venue are continuing.

Last week seven British horses left Valencia – and on 29 MArch, the FEI said the final four British horses are scheduled to leave on 31 March, subject to negative test results.

To date 18 horses have died during the outbreak – including one horse in a clinic in Barcelona reported to the FEI on 28 March. On 25 March the FEI confirmed there had been no new reported outbreaks linked to Spain; figures “remained static” at 31 outbreaks in 10 countries.

As international competition prepares to restart from 12 April, the FEI held a stakeholder consultation on 24 March to discuss how to “prevent a recurrence of the devastating EHV-1 outbreak”. Attendees included the FEI veterinary committee, athlete representatives from across the disciplines, international grooms, and chairs of the FEI technical committees. Biosecurity protocols and “mitigation plans for outbreaks” were discussed, which were due to be revealed this week – including “bylaws for temporary measures”.

“The measures we put in place – both short-term and long-term – and especially how effective they are, will depend on our ability as a community to collaborate, to agree to the same set of principles and to fully endorse and implement them in each of our respective areas of responsibility,” said FEI president Ingmar De Vos, adding that he was confident the consultation was “another milestone in a collective effort” to overcome and learn from the European outbreak.

Emergency measures were brought in for jumping and dressage to allow organisers to schedule events with reduced deadlines for calendar applications and without date-clash rules applying. Similar measures have now been announced for eventing and endurance.

Calendar applications for CCI5*-L, CCI4*-L and CCIO4*-L or CCIO4*-S events have reduced from six weeks to four – and all event organisers may, until the end of the Tokyo Games, organise events on their selected dates (subject to calendar application deadlines) with no date-clash rules applying.

In endurance, measures have been approved for the World Championships, scheduled to take place on 22 May in Italy, including an extension of the nomination entries deadline from 9 April to 21 April – and an increased number of nominated entries for horses and athletes from 10 athletes and 14 horses to 15 athletes and 15 horses.

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Mark Phillips — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 08:06:08 +0000

Mark Phillips reviews the current global travel and competition challenges facing riders and their support teams

COVID-19 has changed life so much – it’s a struggle even to begin to understand what the new normal will be. Add Brexit on top of that and we almost have the perfect storm, certainly for those of us who have to travel to make a living. The paperwork involved in moving from one country to another, particularly with animals, is off the scale of ridiculousness.

Having to take your truck to mainland Europe or Ireland to get it certified – and the cost involved – is just the start. The 32 pages of vet papers to go abroad and the time that it takes to get them processed at the border is unbelievable, and if you want to take your dog as well, that’s another whole raft of time, money and bureaucracy gone mad.

The politicians are lucky that a lot of the Brexit hassles have been overshadowed and kept out of the news by Covid.

We hope things will improve, but in the meantime European events that rely on a substantial entry from the UK are going to find things tough because most British-based riders will support home events. Will those events have the capacity for the increased demand?

Badminton, Chatsworth, Rockingham and Bramham all cancelling was sad, but totally understandable. Events that traditionally had larger crowds, tradestands and sponsors have struggled to come up with a financially viable model, even with reduced prize money.

Livestreaming can help, but if you put a livestream behind a paywall, the number of hits reduces by 80-90%, reducing the exposure value for sponsors.

One rule for all

ASTON-LE-WALLS will replace Chatsworth in May, a predictable and understandable move because of the amount of infrastructure Nigel Taylor has in place at Aston. Helen West and her team at Bicton Arena have bravely said they will replace Bramham.

As a debut four-star venue, the team at Bicton will embark on a new build but will also borrow fences from some of us further up the M5 and M3.

I will be helping with the course-design at both venues.

It’s just sad that in a typical “one rule for all” move, the FEI has said that as a new four-star venue, Bicton can’t be a qualifier for the Olympics. It’s a rule the FEI brought in to try and stop South American countries putting on easy qualifiers for their athletes and horses, but I feel some flexibility and discretion could be applied in the current circumstances.

At least eventing is up and running again in the UK, if only at venues where the financial model is based on entry fees.

It would not surprise me to see more big event cancellations later in the summer because of the lead time and budgeting needed and the ongoing uncertainties of the Covid goal posts. To me, almost the worst scenario is being allowed to run with 5,000 or 10,000 spectators – then do you have tradestands, and if so how

many and what can they be charged or what can they afford to pay? And how many will still be in business?

A waiver to travel

I’VE been one of the lucky ones with a high-performance waiver allowing me to travel back and forth to the US during this period.

UK-based athletes qualify for a waiver to travel to the Kentucky five-star, based on the fact that their participation will enhance the Tokyo preparation for the US athletes. I know the US Equestrian Federation is working on trying to include owners on that waiver.

FEI competition is due to start opening up on mainland Europe after the 11 April, with new protocols because of the equine herpes virus. That will be good news for Europeans as they will be able to start their Tokyo preparations in earnest.

In the meantime we will all hold our breath hoping that no bad news comes out of Japan so that the Tokyo Games can go ahead, even if with only Japanese spectators.

This exclusive column is also available to read in this Thursday’s H&H magazine (1 April, 2021)

Equestrian world urged to help prevent the spread of EHV-1

Becky Murray — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 13:50:20 +0000

The equestrian world’s support is needed to ensure international competition can restart safely in mainland Europe after the outbreak of the neurological form of equine herpes virus (EHV-1).

Following the extended shutdown of international competition across 12 European countries to 12 April, in a message to the equestrian community the FEI veterinary director Göran Åkerström has said everyone must do everything in their power to stop the spread of the virus.

“We are extremely grateful for all the support we have received from the community, especially as we are all aware of the ramifications this extended shutdown means for our sport, our members and stakeholders,” he said.

“The willingness of the community to accept and even welcome the prolonged lockdown is testimony to our collective dedication to the safety and welfare of our horses.”

To date almost 4,000 horses have been blocked on the FEI database, meaning they must be kept in isolation and a negative PCR test must be provided before they are allowed to compete again.

“While EHV-1 is endemic in many countries, the current outbreak of the neurological form is the worst we have seen in decades, and it has clearly tested our biosecurity processes and our resilience,” said Mr Åkerström.

“Nobody wants to see an outbreak like this ever again. And we will continue to monitor EHV-1 outbreaks through the FEI veterinary epidemiology working group, composed of world-leading EHV specialists, members of the FEI veterinary team and supported by the chair of the FEI veterinary committee.”

Mr Åkerström added that communication is “crucial” when dealing with an outbreak and the FEI will keep the community informed on the working group’s findings.

“It is also very important for us to receive all the correct information for our risk assessments and decisions. For this we need your support. By informing us of positive EHV-1 test results and sick horses you contribute to our combined efforts to ensure a safe return to competition on 12 April 2021. Please send us this information, including the positive PCR result to veterinary@fei.org. I guarantee you and your horse anonymity,” he said.

‘We understand that the current situation is creating a lot of uncertainty and worry within our community. The current outbreak is still a problem and we must all be part of the solution. Each of our actions will reduce the severity and the duration of this outbreak and make possible a safe restart of competition.”

The FEI veterinary epidemiology working group held its first formal meeting on 18 March to discuss virus gene-typing, the evolution of the outbreak, return to competition protocols and preventative measures.

“The group discussed epidemiological links between events where positive cases have been reported, and further known transmission of the disease at horses’ home stables. The need for improved network tracing was identified,” said an FEI spokesman.

“The group noted EHV is an endemic disease worldwide and is notifiable in only a few countries. Concern was raised that should the disease become notifiable in more countries it could lead to reduced reporting, meaning that outbreaks could become more difficult to manage.”

The group agreed on risk factors that could be expected within the next two weeks such as the fact transport of horses, potentially causing raised stress levels, may result in further recurrence of the virus and more confirmed cases. It was also highlighted that the circulation of the virus is expected to continue because it moves more slowly through groups of horses than equine influenza, so it may take time for more recently infected groups to be released from isolation.

“Efforts must be focused on both preventing the incursion of virus-positive horses at events and contingency planning to mitigate the impact of such an incursion, should it occur,” said the spokesman.

The spokesman said the group has determined that safe resumption of competition involves two key areas; conditions for entry and management of horses within the venue. The group is recommending health certificates for horses, pre-movement testing, enhanced examination on arrival, restrictions on event size, good separation between horses and routine health monitoring.

Several laboratories in Europe have analysed positive samples from horses who returned from competitions in Spain, and the virus identified showed differences from the virus previously associated with the neurological disease.

“Work on identifying the clade or genetic group to which this virus belongs is ongoing and will assist in tracking the spread of the virus and differentiating it from many other strains of EHV-1 in circulation,” he said.

In the UK, following the introduction of British Equestrian’s new self-certification process for competitions, British Showjumping’s chief executive Iain Graham told H&H it is hoped the forms will put biosecurity and equine health to the forefront of everyone’s mind.

“When we had the flu outbreak in 2019 we asked people to look at the health of their horses and avoid mixing if they thought their horses were not right, so this is a step from that,” he said.

“The process raises awareness of the need to avoid mixing horses if they are not well and this is one of the ways we can significantly reduce the spread of disease. It’s taking what we’ve all learned over the last year about transmission of virus between humans, and applying it to horses,”.

Continued below…

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Carl Hester: ‘Top riders still need to qualify for the Olympics’ H&H Plus

Carl Hester shares his thoughts on the difficulties of competing abroad and team selection ahead of this year’s championships, as

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Riders should apply Covid principles at shows to also protect against spread of EHV

“We’ve all learned the importance of protecting each other during the pandemic – now we need to apply the same

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

On 19 March the FEI said it was following up on a reported EHV-1 positive case in a horse that was tested at its home stables in Scotland after returning from Vilamoura in Portugal. The following day the FEI said all horses from the Scottish stable that were in Vilamoura tested negative on 5 March prior to their departure from the venue, and the focus will now be identifying the strain of the virus to establish whether or not it is linked to the Valencia outbreak.

Mr Graham said BEF’s Equine Infectious Diseases Advisory Group is aware of the case in Scotland, as well as individual cases elsewhere.

“There is always EHV cases in Britain; it’s endemic. And from 1 March any competition horse coming in from Europe is covered by our protocols,” he said. “Because these are in place, and with the process we have for horses coming out of either the observed quarantine or the testing route, that’s why the FEI didn’t extend their mainland Europe suspension to Britain.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Carl Hester: ‘Top riders still need to qualify for the Olympics’ H&H Plus

Carl Hester — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 08:43:44 +0000

Carl Hester shares his thoughts on the difficulties of competing abroad and team selection ahead of this year’s championships, as well as remembering a very special neighbour...

THE devastating news of a virus threatening our horses could not have come at a worse time, as we are all looking forward to a gradual release from Covid lockdown.

With all FEI shows, including the World Cup Final, cancelled until 11 April, the key thing we should all bear in mind with the equine herpes virus (EHV-1) is that, while member bodies can control competition riders, they cannot control travel for sales, training, stud work and so on, apart from urging everyone to follow the protocols.

We all have a part to play in safeguarding the UK’s equine population, so please, if you must travel horses across our borders, ensure you employ the highest levels of biosecurity and good practice. We are lucky to have some of the leading vets in the world on the subject who are happy to lend support, but it boils down to everyone taking responsibility, as with Covid-19.

National hope

IT is great to see that British Dressage (BD) has managed to reschedule 60% of fixtures affected by lockdown. While we wait on confirmation of the date for the winter championships, as many opportunities as possible are on offer from grassroots to preparation for the Tokyo Games – if the Olympics run – and the Europeans.

Frankly, competing abroad seems unlikely for Charlotte Dujardin and I, so we are hoping national preparations will do the job this year.

Several top combinations, like Charlotte and Gio and myself with En Vogue, are not yet qualified for the Olympics and at present the FEI has not adjusted the qualification rules. This will have to be addressed as many international riders face the same challenge of being physically unable to get out and qualify. The first plan for Charlotte and me was to ride at Hagen in April, but with EHV-1 and the rising Covid cases in Germany, the prospect is daunting.

It is great news that Wellington Riding has the go-ahead from the FEI to run a CDI3*, in place of the cancelled Keysoe CDI, in early May; a brilliant development at a great venue. It is disappointing, however, to learn that this show may not count towards the points needed for Olympic qualification.

Team selection used to be via a selection trial where the best four would be picked. It might be time to return to this. Whatever we do, it would be advisable for us all to have a few dry runs before venturing out. A few important checks might include: do your competition boots zip up, do your tailcoat buttons do up and does the lorry start? Then remember to put both horse and tack on the lorry. Yes, both have been forgotten…

I would also like to highlight two opportunities to get involved at the sharp end of BD. There are two board director vacancies: training and para. Nominations are to be in by 4 May for those with the vision, and experience to get involved.

Goodnight to a great horseman

I WAS saddened to hear of Robert Oliver’s death. I first met Robert in 2000 when H&H asked me to go and ride a lovely middleweight champion he produced, Irene Susca’s Jamaica Bay, for an article. Although initially unenthusiastic to ride a show horse, I had an amazing day, a fabulous gallop and lots of laughs with Robert.

At our housewarming here years later, sitting in the garden with friends as midnight approached, what did we hear but a hunting horn, followed by the sound of hooves clattering up the drive and hounds in full cry. We all went to the front of the house and there, accompanied by two grooms, bareback in their pyjamas, was my new neighbour – Robert – sitting on a large cob.

Robert and his crew stayed for a while laughing and chatting before he announced, “Hester, don’t ever have a party again without inviting me,” and blew for home.

One of the greatest storytellers I’ve ever known, Robert was invited to every party thereafter, and will now always be there in spirit. My heartfelt condolences to his wife Claire and his family.

This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, out Thursday 25 March

Riders should apply Covid principles at shows to also protect against spread of EHV

Becky Murray — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 15:05:20 +0000

Riders should apply the principles learned in relation to Covid to protect against the spread of equine herpes virus (EHV) during the current European outbreak – but the risk in the UK is only “mildly increased” from normal.

As competition gets under way in Scotland this weekend, and in England from 29 March, British Equestrian (BEF) is working with the Equine Infectious Diseases Action Group (EIDAG) and BEF member bodies to help mitigate the spread of EHV from Europe.

A BEF spokesman said in a further step to minimise any spread of EHV, the EIDAG also recommends the implementation of a new self-certification process for riders to declare that their horses are healthy and have not been in contact with any others showing signs of infectious disease.

“Member bodies who agree to implement self-certification will work with their organisers and venues on a system to make the declaration before the horse arrives at the venue. Competitors should follow the information on each competition schedule on how to submit their information. This process will be in place for 29 March to 12 April but could stay in place should the risk level dictate,” he said.

British Dressage and British Showjumping (BS) have confirmed they will use the self-certification process. BS said the form needs to be with the event organiser 24 hours before arrival and should a horse arrive at the venue without the form having been submitted, their entry will need to be forfeited and the horse should not be allowed on to the venue grounds.

The EIDAG is advising that all BEF member bodies restrict activities to “stay local” until at least 12 April, meaning no overnight stays or stabling. This is in line with current Government advice around Covid in England.

“There are a small number of elite training and competitions which require overnight stays currently scheduled. These gatherings will have enhanced biosecurity and protocols in place which have been prepared by the BEF director of equine sports science and medicine, John McEwen,“ said the BEF spokesman.

The BEF spokesman reminded riders that EHV circulates in the UK “constantly”.

“It commonly causes mild fever and respiratory signs and occasionally it leads to neurological signs, abortion and neonatal illness. There are an increased number of reports of EHV from a number of European countries suggesting that currently, there is a mildly increased risk of EHV infection in the UK over and above the usual ever-present threat,” he said.

“In response to reports of more serious disease centring on elite events in the Iberian Peninsula, showjumpers, eventers and dressage horses returning to the UK from these areas have been identified and traced. Strict quarantine is being imposed on their return with comprehensive protocols in place for biosecurity and testing.”

Celia Marr, EIDAG chairman, said it is essential that if any of the horses that have returned to the UK are infected, we do not allow the virus to escape into the general horse population.

“Fortunately, quarantine is an effective way to control EHV because it requires close horse-to-horse contact to spread,” she said. “We are confident that BEF’s track, isolate, and test protocols are well under way with the disciplines and are doing their job effectively.”

Philip Ivens, a specialist in equine internal medicine and member of EIDAG and its emergency response group said riders should “always bear in mind” that events, training camps and competitions are occasions where infectious disease can spread.

“Making sure you stop your horse from making direct contact with others, using your own equipment and monitoring your horse for fever or other signs of infectious disease when you return home are sensible ways to reduce risk,” he said.

Article continued below…

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Should I vaccinate my horse against EHV right now? H&H finds out…

Following concerns raised on social media, H&H sought guidance from the British Equine Veterinary Association on whether owners should be

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

EHV-1 update: five more horses dead and positive tests linked to third Spanish tour

The FEI has blocked hundreds more horses in the database, including dressage horses, in the latest update

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

“Riders should not be more concerned about EHV at the moment – it is easy to forget that risk of infectious diseases such as EHV and strangles is always with us and not let our vigilance drop.”

“We’ve all learned the importance of protecting each other during the Covid-19 pandemic – now we need to apply the same principles of creating space and diligent hygiene to protect everyone’s horses,” added Professor Marr.

In an FEI update today (19 March) the organisation said it was following up on a reported EHV-1 positive in a horse that was tested at its home stable in Scotland after returning from Vilamoura, Portugal. The FEI said neither the positive horse or any of its stable companions that had travelled back from Portugal are showing clinical signs and they have been isolated since their return.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

EHV-1 update: five more horses dead and positive tests linked to third Spanish tour

Becky Murray — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 18:24:45 +0000

Five more horses have died in the equine herpes virus outbreak (EHV-1) and hundreds more have been blocked on the FEI database following positive tests relating to a third Spanish tour.

Yesterday (16 March) the FEI said it had been notified of five new deaths; two in Belgium and three in Germany, including a newborn foal. The number of horse deaths relating to the outbreak is now 17.

An FEI spokesman said the organisation had been advised of positive EHV-1 tests in three horses; two at their home stables in Belgium, and one in Switzerland, who had returned from the Spring Mediterranean Tour (MET II) in Oliva, Spain (9-28 February).

The spokesman said that although the two horses in Belgium subsequently tested negative for the virus, all 856 horses who participated in Oliva since the start of MET II on 9 February have been blocked on the database. MET III had been due to run from 9-28 March, but the show organisers informed the FEI of the tour’s cancellation on 1 March.

Continued below…

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Should I vaccinate my horse against EHV right now? H&H finds out…

Following concerns raised on social media, H&H sought guidance from the British Equine Veterinary Association on whether owners should be

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

World Cup finals cancelled owing to ongoing EHV-1 outbreak

“The loss of the World Cup finals for a second year is particularly devastating, especially for the qualified athletes”

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

In Valencia, horses have continued to leave the venue; 84 have left and 22 are scheduled to leave tomorrow (18 March). This will leave 35 horses on site. Four horses are still in the Valencia veterinary hospital, and seven are at a nearby hospital. The FEI spokesman said a positive EHV-1 case has been confirmed in a horse who had returned from Valencia to its home stables in Slovakia.

Following positive tests in two jumping horses who had travelled to Doha for the Global Champions Tour, on Monday (15 March) the FEI blocked 19 dressage horses and 17 para dressage horses who had competed in the Doha CDI5* and the CPEDI3* at the end of February. An FEI spokesman said although the dressage horses flew separately from the jumping horses when leaving Doha, a negative test will have to be provided before the horses will be unblocked from the database.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Richard Davison: ‘Did amateur riders put their hobby over the health of others?’ H&H Plus

Richard Davison — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 08:48:04 +0000

Richard Davison shares his thoughts on moral dilemmas for those competing overseas and vaccinating against EHV-1

JUST when we thought our lives could not become any more dominated by a virus, the equestrian world is hit by another, the equine herpes virus (EHV-1).

This is not a new virus and, over the years when competing in the USA and other countries, I recall the vaccination being mandatory. However, there is no vaccine to protect against the neurological variant, which can be fatal and has made life a living hell for competitors at Valencia CSI as their sick and dying horses were locked down on-site.

I hope that those who have returned to the UK, where EHV is currently not an officially notifiable disease, will adhere strictly to the quarantine guidelines, even if only for the sake of everyone else’s horses.

The vaccine does reduce shedding of the virus, and I can’t help thinking about The Queen’s remark after having her Covid jab – she said the decision to take it was about protecting other people, as much as oneself.

Like many riders, we at Davison Equestrian have decided to vaccinate our horses solely to minimise transmission of the virus within the competition environment.

I hope this will serve as a steer for both British Equestrian (BEF) and FEI policymakers when it comes to considering mandatory vaccinations at competitions.

A moral dilemma

I WAS struck by a moral dilemma at the start of this year’s Sunshine Tour in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain. I have marvelled at the show’s expansion since first competing there years ago. With more than 1,500 showjumping horses plus their attendants descending on the venue and its neighbouring town, the event is significant for the local economy.

However this year, due to the threat of hospitalisations and possible loss of life from Covid-19, the local mayor called for the show to be postponed – a call that was disregarded by the organisers. The predicament of my fellow professionals, with large overheads and bills, means that financial survival is a non-stop worry and was the driver for their participation at the show.

But I could not help pondering how comfortable some of our amateur riders felt about the perception of prioritising a hobby over the health of the local people. In the end the FEI shut down the tour due to the EHV outbreak, and every group was left frustrated.

A lack of goodwill

THE downsides of leaving the EU single market and the customs union of the UK equestrian industry’s biggest trading partner should have been obvious. But in the trade agreement, signed shortly before Christmas, there is hope.

It contains provisions that could reduce some of the barriers to trade we are currently facing. But activating these mechanisms requires the EU and the UK to collaborate in good faith, and this is currently in short supply.

Lord Frost, who negotiated the agreement, is now charged with co-chairing the roll-out together with his EU counterpart. He has rightly called for goodwill, but while we are waiting for the EU to ratify the agreement, the UK has threatened another unilateral breach of its obligations, which is damaging for us.

Delays at Calais have been horrendous for competition horses, and I am grateful to my fellow World Horse Welfare trustee, Caroline Nokes MP, for raising this issue in Westminster. In the meantime, I am in contact with the CEO of the Port of Calais, who is committed to horse welfare, and is doing all he can to help.

The delays will affect both UK and EU-based horses, and a number of us are lobbying our FEI rider clubs and other groups on both sides of the Channel. We need speedy collaboration and action to make things more bearable for the health not only of our horses, but of our industry too.

New face at the top

Finally, good luck to Jim Eyre in his new role as CEO of the BEF. We have had enough “musical chairs” at the top of our federation recently, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed Jim is a keeper.

Also published in H&H 18 March 2021

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Should I vaccinate my horse against EHV right now? H&H finds out…

Becky Murray — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 07:03:46 +0000

Clarification has been provided for UK horse owners on vaccinating for equine herpes virus (EHV).

Following concerns raised on social media, H&H sought guidance from the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) on whether owners should be considering vaccinating their horses against the disease.

David Rendle, chair of BEVA’s health and medicines committee, told H&H the topic of vaccination is raised every time there is media coverage of the neurological strain of the virus.

“Unfortunately this is shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted,” he said. “The EHV vaccine that is registered in the UK was developed for the prevention of abortion rather than the respiratory or neurological forms of the disease.

“However, use of the vaccine is likely to reduce EHV infections generally and reduce the amount of virus that is transmitted between horses; in so doing it reduces the risk to the population generally and may reduce the risk of the neurological form of the disease in individual horses.”

There is currently no vaccine registered for use to prevent the neurological strain.

“In some studies of neurological herpes, recent (within a few weeks) vaccination has paradoxically increased the risk of disease developing. The additional immune response generated by the vaccine may trigger neurological disease in horses that have already mounted a response to natural infection,“ said Mr Rendle.

“Vaccination is therefore not recommended in the event of an outbreak of neurological herpes. As with all diseases, vaccination needs to be used as a preventive measure in advance of a disease outbreak and not be a knee-jerk response in the event of disease.”

Mr Rendle said EHV vaccination is performed in most broodmares, competition horses, racehorses, and is mandatory for racehorses in France.

“The risk of disease associated with EHV would be lower if more horse owners vaccinated for it. Historically the rate of vaccination in the UK has been relatively low and the manufacturers produce the vaccine in accordance with that demand,” he said.

“Recent events in Europe have increased vaccine demand exponentially such that vaccine supplies have been used up and as of this week EHV vaccine has become temporarily unavailable. Attempts have been made to reserve stocks for broodmares in order to prevent outbreaks of abortion.”

Mr Rendle added that when the vaccine becomes available again, owners may wish to plan ahead and consider vaccination.

“EHV is ever-present and there is absolutely no doubt that there will be further outbreaks of disease resulting in respiratory disease, abortion and paralysis,” he said.

“Recent events in Spain have highlighted the risks of infectious disease associated with moving and mixing large numbers of horses so owners of competition horses especially should think about measures they can take to maximise biosecurity and reduce these risks.”

For competition horses, on 2 March British Showjumping (BS) “strongly advised” riders not to travel to European competitions while the outbreak remains active. On 12 March the FEI extended the suspension of international European shows until 11 April – and national events remain off in many European countries.

The BS spokesman said it is “essential” vaccination is not considered as a means to “overcome sub-optimal” biosecurity.

“Avoiding mixing in at-risk populations, close monitoring, early diagnosis and isolation of suspect horses remain the cornerstones of prevention regardless of vaccination status,” said the spokesman.

Article continued below…

(Image credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

‘Minimal risk’ of EHV-1 spread in the UK but riders urged to act ‘responsibly’

“This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of biosecurity, vaccination and having plans in place for protecting horses

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Equine herpes virus – all you need to know right now

(Image credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

“As it is unclear how long the outbreak will remain active in Europe, we are not currently recommending vaccination for horses which are scheduled to travel to Europe in the next few weeks. BS will continue to advise its members as the European outbreak progresses.”

The spokesman added that EHV is endemic in Europe, so it will be an ongoing threat after the current outbreak is over.

“Therefore, we advise EHV vaccination for horses travelling to Europe this summer and beyond,” he said. “For horses to remain protected it is important that once the primary course has been given, vaccination should be continued in future with boosters required every six months.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Adam Cromarty: ‘Stay-away shows are a Petri dish’ H&H Plus

Adam Cromarty — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 14:41:07 +0000

Adam Cromarty reflects on biosecurity measures at shows and the lack of member incentives from British Showjumping in his latest magazine column

JUST when we’ve seen a glimmer of light at the end of a long Covid tunnel, our industry is now facing another difficult challenge.

Normally by March I would have undertaken a few transatlantic trips. Instead, even the European shows I should be attending could face a difficult decision, depending on how the outbreak of equine herpes virus (EHV-1) develops.

I recently hosted a global discussion about the virus with British team vet Mark Sinnott and Emily Sandler-Burtness, a clinician from the USA who was the President of the Veterinary Commission at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon. It was fascinating and hopefully useful to those who watched. You can find it on my social media.

EHV is endemic and always present. If horses do recover, they have limited natural immunity. In the USA, it’s very common to vaccinate against it. Here, the opposite is true and there are fewer types of vaccine available.

No vaccine protects against the neurological form, which was detected in Valencia. The situation is serious and my thoughts go out to anyone who has horses in jeopardy.

It’s unclear how many horses may have been exposed. British athletes who were competing may have been traced, but we can’t know how many horses they, and their caregivers, could have contaminated prior to being alerted. Sale horses regularly come into the UK, and given that this virus has a significant incubation period, it’s just impossible to quantify.

Whether it will have a knock-on effect to the resumption of national sport comes down to how proactive those who have horses coming into the country are.

Stay-away shows are an ideal Petri dish for any virus. Athletes and horses from different locations are brought together and contained within a close proximity. At FEI events, temperature records need to be kept but how accurate they are, and the accompanying good practices, come down to each athlete. We need to be vigilant.

With this in mind, we need to reevaluate our show stable management. Currently, anyone can access the stabling at most national events and there are no records kept. There are no stewards or vet delegates on patrol, nor is there any requirement to have an isolation box.

I forecast that biosecurity is going to be a topic of conversation for the foreseeable future. In truth, we could all

do more.

The elephant in the room

ANOTHER hot topic right now is lack of a membership incentive from British Showjumping. It’s become the elephant in the room and uncharacteristically I’m on the fence.

With no competition, I understand why some feel they should be given a proportional refund or membership extension. On the other hand, running a national sport isn’t like a gym that can simply turn the lights off and lock the doors.

Our national federation could communicate better and there’s a chance some members would be more understanding if they knew how much work was going on to secure the resumption of our sport and to campaign for a more viable post-Brexit travel agreement.

More transparency and engagement would go a long way.

When British Showjumping (BS) purchased its training centre in 2019, it was set to be in use (and earning) for the whole of 2020. Covid halted this, and I think that’s why BS is not following other disciplines and making an offer to membership.

I understand that they haven’t ruled it out, but they are cautiously waiting to see how the pandemic progresses.

This period in the history of our sport should be used to evolve, with time spent on regrouping and restructuring. We need to be ready to come out of the pandemic stronger and more current than ever. If we don’t start now, I fear we never will.

Also published in H&H 18 March 2020

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World Cup finals cancelled owing to ongoing EHV-1 outbreak

Becky Murray — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 17:12:02 +0000

The World Cup finals have been cancelled owing to the equine herpes virus (EHV-1) outbreak in a “desperately bitter blow”.

Today (12 March) the FEI announced a two-week extension of the shutdown of all international events in mainland Europe until 11 April 2021, meaning the World Cup showjumping and dressage finals due to take place in Gothenburg, Sweden from 31 March to 4 April are off. The shutdown had previously been due to end on 28 March.

An FEI spokesman said the two-week extension, which aims to minimise the further spread of the “very aggressive” strain of the virus, was unanimously approved at an emergency executive board meeting today and the extension applies to all FEI disciplines.

“The decision is based on a detailed scientific risk assessment conducted by world-leading epidemiologist Dr Richard Newton and the FEI veterinary department,” said the spokesman.

“The extended lockdown applies to all countries that have international scheduled events in the period to 11 April; Austria, Belgium, Spain, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Sweden. However, the FEI again strongly recommends that all national federations in mainland Europe cancel their national events in order to minimise horse movement.”

The World Cup finals last took place in 2019. The 2020 finals in Las Vegas, US, were lost owing to the pandemic.

“The extension of the lockdown is difficult for everyone, and the loss of the World Cup finals for a second year is particularly devastating, especially for the qualified athletes and for our loyal top partner Longines,” said FEI secretary general Sabrina Ibáñez.

“We know how much work Tomas Torgersen and his incredible team in Gothenburg have put into organising the 2021 finals, which would have been part of the 400th birthday anniversary celebrations for the city, so this is a desperately bitter blow.”

Mr Torgersen said the cancellation was “incredibly sad” but the welfare of the horses “must always be put first”.

“In recent weeks we have been in constant contact with FEI, the Swedish federation and responsible vets to follow developments, and after the decision came on Friday [today] afternoon everything has gone very fast,” he said.

“We would like to thank all sponsors, partners and officials for their support in planning the Gothenburg Horse Show 2021.”

Ms Ibáñez said EHV cannot be eradicated as it is endemic in many countries, but said the equestrian community needs to work together to minimise the transmission of this particular strain, which has caused the death of 12 horses in Europe to date.

“All of the original in-contact horses from Valencia, Vejer de la Frontera and Doha are already blocked on the FEI database, but the whole community needs to be on the alert and monitoring their horses. We strongly urge all European-based FEI athletes to avoid travel with their horses during this prolonged shutdown, as travel is a very clear risk factor,” she said.

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EHV-1: FEI to investigate why show continued after organisers told to stop

The FEI has provided clarification on a number of concerns raised about the handling of the equine herpes virus (EHV-1)

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“Sadly this additional lockdown is crucial to slow down the spread of the virus so that we can preserve the rest of the season, get our athletes and horses back competing safely and allow as long a period as possible for those aiming for Tokyo to earn their minimum eligibility requirements and confirmation results, and of course to prepare their horses for the Games.”

Ms Ibáñez said “nobody wants to see an outbreak like this ever again”, adding there will be a “comprehensive and fully transparent” investigation into every aspect of the outbreak and the handling of it. She added the findings will be published so “together with our community, we can all learn from this”.

The FEI spokesman said work on identifying the gene sequencing of this strain of the virus is under way and the FEI is continuing to monitor the evolution of the virus through the FEI veterinary epidemiology working group, formed last week. The group is made up of “world-leading” EHV specialists, the FEI’s veterinary director and the senior veterinary advisor. It also supported by the chair of the FEI veterinary committee. Reports and recommendations from the group will be published on a weekly basis.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

EHV-1: two more horses dead and cases confirmed in Belgium and France

Becky Murray — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 18:19:30 +0000

Two more horses have died from equine herpes virus (EHV-1) in Valencia – while cases have been confirmed in Belgium and France linked to the Sunshine Tour.

Yesterday (9 March) the FEI confirmed a horse had died at a veterinary clinic in Valencia, and today (10 March) a horse that had undergone colic surgery in Valencia was put down. This brings the total number of deaths relating to the Valencia outbreak to 12.

An FEI spokesman said 138 horses still remain on site in Valencia, 10 of whom are still being treated but do not have neurological symptoms. There are 14 in the university hospital in Valencia, and one in hospital in Barcelona.

In an update to the situation surrounding horses who had been at the Sunshine Tour in Vejer de la Frontera, yesterday the FEI confirmed that a horse who had returned home from the venue to Belgium had tested positive for EHV-1.

“This horse, which was placed in isolation immediately on return to its home stables in Belgium, was a close in-contact to the first horse that developed a fever at the Vejer de la Frontera venue,” said the spokesman.

“This first horse was put into isolation on 26 February, displayed neurological signs on 4 March, and although it tested negative to EHV-1, that result was inconclusive. A second horse on the venue developed neurological signs on 5 March and was also transferred to the isolation stables.”

There has also been a positive case confirmed in France, at stables Haras du Ry, the base of Australian showjumper Amy Graham.

In a statement yesterday a spokesman for Haras du Ry said, with “much distress”, that six horses had tested positive for EHV-1 yesterday, following their return from the Sunshine Tour.

“Thankfully all horses are currently asymptomatic and are being monitored closely and treated with the best veterinary care possible. All eight horses that returned from Spain entered a strict biosecurity quarantine area upon their return on 3 March and have remained securely isolated,” read the statement.

“The horses were PCR tested on 8 March and we received the results this morning with six of the eight horses returning a positive test. Our horses were all up to date on their vaccinations, including EVH-1. We maintain our vaccination program diligently to help protect from disease. Unfortunately some have still contracted EVH-1 in Spain.”

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EHV-1: FEI to investigate why show continued after organisers told to stop

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The statement added that upon receiving the results, the stable had informed the French national federation, FEI, Equestrian Australia, the Sunshine Tour, and owners and clients. The team also informed the riders in stables close to Amy’s horses at the tour and any surrounding riders who may have had contact in Spain.

“The health of our horses and team is our priority and we will be taking every measure to ensure our horses make a full recovery and the virus remains contained,” said the spokesman.

“Our equestrian centre at Haras du Ry has been closed since our horses returned from Spain and no horses have left or arrived on the property in this time. Our stables will remain closed until further notice as we focus on our horses recovery and preserving the health of all horses and people at our facility.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

EHV-1: FEI to investigate why show continued after organisers told to stop

Becky Murray — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 18:13:12 +0000

An investigation will be held into why the showjumping tour in Valencia continued after show organisers had been told to halt competition.

As more news comes to light about the equine herpes virus outbreak (EHV-1) that started at the CES Valencia Tour in Spain last month, the FEI has provided clarification on a number of concerns raised about the handling of the outbreak.

On the afternoon of 20 February, the FEI veterinary delegate at the CES Valencia Tour told the FEI veterinary department 11 horses at the venue had developed a fever. This increased to 20 later in the day. The FEI told organisers to halt competition, but classes continued to run the following day.

“Following receipt of the detailed information sent to the FEI on 20 February, the FEI concluded that there was an outbreak of the neurological form of EHV-1 and immediately told organisers and on-site officials to cancel the rest of the event in Valencia,” an FEI spokesman told H&H.

“On Sunday 21 February, as soon as the FEI learned that competition was still ongoing, the FEI veterinary director immediately sent a strong message to Valencia reinforcing the notification from the previous day that competition had to cease immediately.”

In a virtual press conference today (9 March) the FEI confirmed to H&H that it will be holding a “full and thorough” investigation.

“This will be made available so everybody understands the findings of the investigation,” said FEI secretary general Sabrina Ibáñez.

The 2021 European Dressage Championships for children, juniors and young riders is scheduled to take place at CES Valencia from 5 to 11 July.

“The European championships are allocated by the FEI board so any decision regarding whether or not they should be removed or maintained in Valencia will have to be taken by the board,” said Ms Ibáñez.

“We will be addressing this with the board once we have more information on the investigation. It will be the board that will ultimately need to take the decision.”

Ms Ibáñez provided an update on the current situation in Valencia and said the clinical situation had “improved dramatically” and communication had also improved. She added that there had been “a lot of misinformation” about what has taken place in Valencia.

“There is enough hay and food for the horses – as well as enough food for the grooms and riders,” she said.

FEI veterinary director Göran Åkerström added that on 26 February, in accordance with Spanish law, the Spanish authorities took over the decisions at the venue.

“Later that week we were alerted by riders desperate for help because the clinical situation for their horses had become very serious. We immediately got in touch with the Spanish federation who set up a meeting and we decided to get supporting veterinarians on to site. We worked closely with the German and French federations who have been absolutely amazing in support,” said Åkerström.

“We gathered a team of really good vets; the first arrived on the morning of 26 February and took control over the treatment situation on the site together with the organising committee’s veterinarians who were working hard, but in very severe conditions. The University Hospital of Valencia has also been incredible in the way they have been supportive, up to 10 of their vets went to the venue to support our team.”

Mr Åkerström confirmed that the highest number of vets treating horses at the venue was 21.

“There is no doubt that there were 21, but also the clinical situation changed from day to day. It was dependent on how available the vets from the university hospital were,” he said.

“The day when there was 21 vets [on site] was when there were 10 vet from the university hospital available – otherwise there have been between eight and 11 vets [on site] most of the time”.

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Ms Ibanez said the FEI’s main priority has and always will be the safety of the horses.

“We are really focusing now on getting these horses healthy, home and also making sure there is no further spread of this disease,” she said.

H&H has contacted CES Valencia for comment.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

EHV not yet under control as 10 horses now dead H&H Plus

Becky Murray — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 15:14:56 +0000

The situation is relating to the EHV-1 outbreak in Europe is improving but far from over. H&H speaks to authorities, riders and vets to find out the latest, and what is being done to protect UK horses

IMPROVEMENTS have been reported in Valencia, Spain, but the equine herpes virus (EHV-1) outbreak is “not yet fully under control” – as horses develop neurological signs at a second Spanish venue, and protocols are introduced for horses returning to the UK.

In the rapidly changing situation surrounding the outbreak, on 6 March the FEI athlete representative in Valencia reported that the medical condition of the horses there remains “stable”.

“While these were positive signs, the veterinary team stressed it is important to be aware that the disease was not yet fully under control,” said an FEI spokesman.

Criticisms have been made that authorities had not provided suitable stabling, more horses had died than had been reported and there were not enough vets on site.

The FEI reported on 3 March that its veterinary manager had organised a meeting in Valencia between the Spanish ministry, organisers, vets, the FEI athlete representative and the FEI team leader to help “resolve issues”, and agreement was reached on roles and treatment protocols. The FEI said some additional temporary stabling delivered was “not up to standard” and “unsuitable for larger horses” so replacements were organised.

On 4 March the FEI jumping director arrived in Valencia and held a meeting with organisers; a follow-up was organised to “ensure lines of communication remained open”. On 5 March the FEI athlete representative reported to the FEI veterinary directory that supplies were continuing to be delivered to the venue.

On 6 March the FEI confirmed support available for those in Valencia included extra grooms being made available and additional drivers being sought to help transport horses home. The FEI said stabling had arrived, a French team specialised in international quarantine stables had been providing recommendations on biosecurity, and the French team had provided an on site lab to help with monitoring.

On 8 March the FEI reported 10 horses had died since the outbreak began; two on site and three in hospital in Valencia, two in Barcelona and two in Germany. The spokesman said higher numbers had been stated on social media but nine was the “official” figure.

British rider Andrew Saethers, whose four horses in Valencia had had a fever, two of which also had neurological signs, told H&H it had been “a hard few weeks” but things seemed to be “levelling off”.

“I feel like I’m winning the battle of saving my horses, and I can’t wait to get home but I have no idea when that will be,” he said.

On 4 March a horse at the Sunshine Tour in Vejer de la Frontera developed neurological signs of EHV-1, but had reportedly tested negative to the disease. The horse had been in isolation two kilometres from the competition since 26 February.

Following a “full risk analysis” conducted by the Spanish ministry, on 4 March, the show organisers and the FEI, it was agreed the competition, originally scheduled to run until 28 March, could continue until 7 March. But on 5 March the FEI said there was “no choice” but to immediately shut down the competition after a second horse developed neurological signs.

On 7 March the FEI continued to follow up on the condition and veterinary care of the two horses and had requested an update from the primary veterinary delegate on the remaining horses at the venue.

To date, eight countries have confirmed EHV-1 cases; Spain, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, and Qatar. A case in the USA was not linked to the European outbreak. Under FEI regulations 752 horses that had been in Valencia since 1 February are blocked in the FEI database until they have fulfilled necessary testing requirements.

In Doha, where the Global Champions Tour was taking place (4–6 March), four horses had arrived from Valencia on 20 February – one of which tested positive for EHV-1, having been kept in isolation since its arrival. All four horses will remain in isolation until 15 March.

British Showjumping (BS) and British Eventing (BE) announced all horses returning from France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Austria, Poland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Slovakia from 1 March should be isolated from horses which may attend BS or BE competitions and training and attended to by separate staff. It is “strongly advised” horses returning are separated from all other horses. The same applies to horses who have transited through these countries on their return. British Equestrian told H&H each BEF member body has adopted these protocols.

All horses on the premises, including those who have not travelled to Europe, must have monitoring and twice-daily temperature recording. They will be excluded from participation in all BEF member body competitions and activities until they have been free of clinical signs for 28 days, or appropriate testing and samples have been approved by Rossdales Laboratory.

David Rendle, chair of the British Equine Veterinary Association’s (BEVA) health and medicines committee told H&H BEVA had been working with BEF to provide guidelines, and the organisation “cannot stress how important it is” guidelines are followed.

“If people follow the guidelines then EHV will be contained; if they do not, more horses may die, the choice is stark and simple,” he said.

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EHV-1: Eventing, dressage and showjumping stand together to protect UK herd

Lucy Elder — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 20:03:32 +0000

Strict isolation and testing rules have been put in place by equestrian sport’s governing bodies to prevent the spread of a “rapid evolution of a very aggressive” strain of equine herpes virus (EHV-1) to the UK herd.

British Eventing (BE) and British Dressage (BD) have the same protocols in place as those recently announced by British Showjumping (BS).

These apply to any individuals or yards that have horses returning from, or travelling through France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Austria, Poland, the Netherlands, Germany and Slovakia. Qatar is also listed on the BD protocol page.

The rules apply as of 1 March to every horse on any UK premises where horses have recently travelled from, or through, a number of nations — not just those horses who have travelled from abroad. They involve 28 days of isolation, with no horses showing any clinical signs, or each horse must record two clear sets of tests, taken 10 days apart, before any horses on that premises can return to affiliated competition or training.

It is “strongly urged” that horses who have returned from, or travelled through, any nations on the list are isolated from other equines, that strict biosecurity measures are in place, and that they are attended to by separate staff and riders who do not have contact with any other horses.

The protocols also ask that all horses on the premises are closely monitored for clinical signs and temperatures taken and recorded twice daily.

The measures are in response to a number of cases on the European mainland, linked to an outbreak in Valencia.

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“BD, and all the [British Equestrian (BEF)] member bodies, are working with the leading UK specialist in equine disease, the BEF veterinary advisory group, the equine infections diseases advisory group and the British Equine Veterinary Association to ensure that appropriate measures and guidance have issued to all vets and participants in all areas of equine activity in UK,” said a BD spokesman.

“The BEF is also in communication via our veterinary advisors with the horseracing and breeding industries, who are liaising directly with their participants to give industry-wide co-ordination.

“British Equestrian protocols, which are being adopted by each discipline, are now in place for any riders returning to the UK from Europe, including foreign riders based here, in a bid to prevent any spread of the virus.

“We have provided any riders we are aware of who have been in Europe recently with a copy of the protocols. Anyone who is bringing horses from Europe at this time (purchase, training, stud work, etc) should follow the protocols and strict biosecurity measures to safeguard our equine population.”

British Horseracing Authority director of equine health and welfare James Given has contacted the National Trainers’ Federation, to urge trainers whose staff have links with showjumpers to be extra vigilant and ensure extremely high standards of biosecurity.

The full BEF protocols, as released by each governing body, can be found on the British Eventing, British Dressage and British Showjumping websites.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

‘I’m just trying to keep my horses safe – and not panic’: Jack Whitaker reports from the Sunshine Tour

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 15:33:21 +0000

British showjumper Jack Whitaker is one of the many riders facing an uncertain journey home after the Sunshine Tour in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain, was cancelled.

Organisers announced on Thursday (4 March) that a horse who had previously been competing on the tour had started showing neurological signs similar to those associated with equine herpes virus (EHV-1) and that classes would be brought to a halt on Sunday, three weeks before the tour was due to finish.

“A lot of people are panicking; we’ve been told to stay put but people are trying to get out anyway,” Jack told H&H.

“I was a bit worried yesterday [Thursday] because we heard that a horse had tested positive, but there haven’t actually been any positive tests here – one of the biggest problems is all the rumours flying around.”

The horse in question had been in isolation since 26 February and, despite its clinical signs, has tested negative for the virus.

“Obviously I’m trying to keep my horses away from the other horses and I’m doing everything to keep them as safe as possible, but I’m not panicking,” explained Jack. “I will stay till Sunday then try to leave when I can. But it’s all a bit up in the air.

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“As long as you have the right health papers, you can leave whenever you like, it’s just getting the right health papers but that’s the difficult bit. They originally said it would take two weeks to get them, but today I was told we could get them more quickly, just not yet.”

Even with the right health papers, there is the worry that it might not be possible to sort out any stopover stables, which is why several British riders have made the decision to hold their horses in Spain where they at least have immediate veterinary access, rather than risking any of their horses becoming sick on the journey home.

“We need to work together to minimise the spread of this virus and we greatly appreciate the cooperation and understanding demonstrated by all the riders, owners, sponsors and other team members involved,” said the show organisers.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

EHV: Sunshine Tour cancelled after horse shows neurological signs

Lucy Elder — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 12:16:08 +0000

The Sunshine Tour will be brought to an early finish after a horse started showing neurological signs similar to those associated with Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1).

The horse has been in isolation since 26 February, more than 2km away from the main competition site in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain, and despite its clinical signs, has tested negative for the virus.

The tour, which had been due to run until 28 March, will now end on Sunday (7 March).

Organisers explained this will give time for an “ordered departure of horses”.

The statement from the organisers said the horse arrived at Dehesa Montenmedio, where the showground is located, from its home yard in Belgium and was “fit and healthy” with no signs of illness.

The horse competed for the first two weeks of the tour, and on the first day of competition on the third week (22 February). Four days later (26 February), a vet notified the organisers that the horse had a fever.

“The horse was immediately isolated by the organising committee of the Sunshine Tour, in stables that are more than 2km away from the actual showground,” said the statement, adding that the FEI was notified.

“At first the [signs] that the horse was expressing appeared to be those of piroplasmosis, and the horse was given a blood test for piroplasmosis and a PCR for rhinoneumonitis, both results were negative.

“Over subsequent days both the competition vets and the FEI vets monitored the horse’s fever and condition twice a day. After a few days the fever had subsided.”

It said the horse showed neurological signs for the first time yesterday morning (4 March).

“At 4.30pm on 4 March, the organising committee of the Sunshine Tour met with the FEI, the [Spanish equestrian federation] and the ministry of agriculture where it was decided to close the show down at the end of competition on Sunday.

“The above organisations have carried out a complete risk analysis and have come to an agreement between them that to guarantee an ordered departure of the horses, the event will continue until 7 March.

The cancellation follows the halt of the CES Valencia Spring Tour, around 800km away, in February owing to an EHV-1 outbreak.

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On Monday (1 March), the FEI announced all international competition in 10 countries on the European mainland was cancelled, with immediate effect, until 28 March. This was due to the “rapid evolution of a very aggressive strain of the neurological form” of EHV-1, that originated in Valencia and had led to outbreaks in other European countries.

The jumping tours that were already under way — including those in Portugal and Italy, as well as the now cancelled Opglabbeek fixture in Belgium and Sunshine Tour in Vejer — were allowed to continue, under strict conditions, to prevent large numbers of horses being moved at the same time.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

US shows take EHV-1 precautions over case unconnected to European outbreak

Lucy Elder — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 22:05:18 +0000

US shows are taking precautions in light of an Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) case in the Ocala area of Florida.

Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP), which organises the Winter Equestrian Festival and Adequan Global Dressage Festival at venues in Wellington, around three hours south of Ocala, has taken action to protect horses on site.

There are currently no reported cases of EHV-1 in Wellington, and the case is not related to the neurological strain of EHV-1 currently affecting Europe.

“ESP has longstanding protocols to manage such events and will provide isolation facilities if and as required,” said a statement from the organisation.

“Experience has taught us that early identification is key when dealing with disease outbreaks, and this requires cooperation from everyone within the community.”

ESP is not accepting entries from horses who have not already competed at the festivals this year, until further notice.

While there are no known positive cases in Wellington, ESP is also restricting access to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and Equestrian Village, where the festivals are being held, to horses within Wellington.

Anyone travelling horses into these facilities will also be required to sign a declaration, stating the horses have not competed at other Florida venues and have not been in close contact with horses that competed in other Florida venues within 10 days prior to their arrival.

From Monday (8 March), horses arriving will need a health certificate, or statement on official licensed veterinarian letterhead, signed and dated by a vet within seven days of arriving. Find out more about what this health certificate must cover.

All horses on the showground must have their temperature taken twice daily, which will be recorded and is recommended to be posted on each horse’s stable door.

ESP and US Equestrian have also “strongly recommended” that equestrians do not ship horses throughout the state for the foreseeable future.

“In addition, we encourage you to cease any European imports you may have scheduled to Florida,” adds the ESP statement.

“We urge those with recently imported horses to isolate and monitor them for 10 days. Horses imported from Europe in the last 14 days and going forward will not be allowed into [the festival] show grounds.

“Given the seriousness of the EHV-1 outbreak in Europe (the case in Ocala is similar in nature but unrelated to the neurological strain of EHV-1 impacting Valencia, Spain, and other European countries), which has unfortunately resulted in multiple horse deaths, ESP implores everyone to do their part in order to keep your own horses safe, as well as those of your fellow competitors.

“Any horse on the show grounds with a fever of unknown origin or of suspicious origin must be reported to ESP management. It is always better to err on the side of safety. Isolation stalls will either be available on the grounds or at a local veterinary practice if the need arises.

“It is our shared responsibility to keep our horses safe.”

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Organisers are also urging all equestrians to take the following biosecurity measures:

Take all horses’ temperature daily and report any horse with a temperature above 101.5 F or any signs of respiratory or neurological disease to your veterinarian and/or show management
Take the temperature of all horses prior to shipping to the festivals, and do not bring any febrile horses (equines who have the virus, or are showing clinical signs) to the show
Avoid mixing of horses where possible, practice equine “social distancing”
Ensure good hygiene and biosecurity at the show and your home farms
Make sure your horses are currently vaccinated for influenza and EHV. Under no circumstances should a horse that has been vaccinated compete within seven days.
You should be able to document your horse’s normal temperature before arrival. Please do not ship horses with elevated temperatures. It is recommended that you establish a log of temperatures taken at least twice daily. If there is an elevated temperature for more than a 24-hour period, please consult your local veterinarian immediately
Every effort should be made to minimise stress and commingling of horses shipped long distances. Extra hours on a horse van or moving from stable to stable is the fastest way to compromise your horses’ and your neighbour’s horses’ health
Please take the time to review equine good hygiene practices and impress its importance to your grooms and barn managers in everyday care

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Two more horses die in EHV-1 outbreak, but FEI says Valencia situation has improved

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 17:35:55 +0000

Two more horses have died as a result of the equine herpes (EHV-1) outbreak in Europe, while one in isolation has tested positive in Doha.

In the latest update on the situation, the FEI said today (3 March) that although the situation in Valencia is still “extremely distressing for athletes and owners”, it has improved.

“A total of 83 on-venue horses are showing clinical signs and are being treated, but none of these horses are recumbent and require slings for support,” the FEI statement said, adding that 15 horses are being treated in external clinics, 13 in Valencia and two in Barcelona.

“There have been no more equine fatalities at the venue in Valencia since last weekend, but sadly one horse has died at a veterinary hospital in Barcelona and one has died in Germany. Both of these horses had been in Valencia.

“There are no reports of any further related deaths, but tragically this brings the total number of deaths in this outbreak to six.”

The FEI said its veterinary manager Gonçalo Paixão remains in Valencia, and will be joined by jumping director Marco Fuste, who will support the onsite team.

“Communications have also improved, with a meeting at the venue today between Spanish ministry officials (MAPA), the organisers, the organising committee veterinarians, an athlete representative and the FEI treatment team leader,” the statement said, adding that agreement has been reached on roles, treatment protocols and a new plan for separation of horses following “requests from athletes and owners for their horses to be grouped together without infringing biosecurity protocols”.

Additional temporary stabling is due to arrive in Valencia tomorrow.

In Doha, where the Global Champions Tour event is due to start tomorrow, a German horse has tested positive for the virus. It had already been in isolation since it had arrived from Valencia, and has been transferred to isolation facilities at a veterinary clinic, along with another German horse whose test result was inconclusive.

“A total of four horses that had been competing in Valencia arrived in Doha on 20 February, having left the Spanish venue earlier in the month,” the FEI statement said. “Of the four, two Colombian horses had left Valencia on 7 February, and the two German horses on 12 February, eight days prior to the FEI being notified of the EHV-1 outbreak.

“As per our communique of 22 February, the FEI identified all 752 horses that had been in Valencia since 1 February and blocked them in the FEI database, meaning that they cannot enter any FEI events until they have fulfilled the necessary testing requirements. This included the four horses that had travelled to Doha and the FEI contacted the organisers to tell them to isolate these horses on the Al Shaqab venue. All four horses tested negative on 22 February, but remained in the isolation stables.

“The FEI has been in contact with the Doha organisers continuously and has conducted an ongoing risk analysis of the situation, together with world-leading epidemiologists. Based on the additional biosecurity measures already in place onsite at Al Shaqab, the fact that all other horses at the venue have returned negative PCR tests over the last two days and subject to a number of mandatory conditions, the FEI has agreed that this weekend’s competition can go ahead in Doha. However, the FEI reserves the right to cancel the event if there are any changes to the current situation.”

The FEI and Doha organisers invited all riders onsite, officials and team vets to a virtual meeting today to discuss the conditions under which the event is allowed to run. These include equine temperature monitoring and recording, isolation for the four horses mentioned above, social distancing measures for horses and daily communication with the FEI.

“Obviously there is no such thing as zero risk, but for the competing horses in Doha, there is no greater risk of infection than at any other event”, FEI veterinary director Göran Akerström said.

“Epidemiologically, the risk of further cases amongst other horses in Doha is negligible due to the biosecurity measures that have already been put in place, and the additional mandatory conditions agreed today. Obviously the situation will be monitored very closely and we have the option to cancel the event if things change.”

The Defra view

A Defra spokesman told H&H today that the department is aware of the situation in Europe.

“We are working closely with the equine sector to ensure owners are aware of the risks and are taking the necessary precautions to keep their animals safe,” he said.

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(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

‘The most serious outbreak in Europe for decades’: four horses die from EHV-1 as more cases confirmed

In an update today (1 March) the FEI confirmed four horses had died from the neurological form of EHV-1 in

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

International competition halted owing to ‘rapid evolution’ of EHV-1 outbreak

Yesterday (1 March) the FEI confirmed four horses had died in Valencia, 84 horses at the venue were showing clinical

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“There have been no reports of any related disease in the UK, but we remain vigilant to horses returning from Spain, France, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland.

“Anyone who is worried about the health or welfare of their equine should seek advice either online at the British Showjumping website or speak to their vet.”

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EHV: British showjumpers must isolate on return from Europe

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 21:09:16 +0000

Horses returning to the UK from areas of Europe at high risk in relation to equine herpes virus (EHV-1) should be isolated, British Showjumping (BS) has announced.

Owing to the current EHV-1 outbreak, which has caused international competition to be suspended in 10 countries, BS has put measures in place for returning showjumpers.

All horses returning from France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Austria, Poland, the Netherlands, Germany and Slovakia should be isolated from others who may attend BS competition and training. BS strongly advises they are also separated from all other equines.

The same applies to horses who have travelled through these countries on their way to the UK.

Isolated horses must be kept in a building physically separated from other buildings housing horses, by the equivalent of a public road, and cared for by riders and staff not in contact with horses at other, non-isolated, premises.

Strict biosecurity measures must be in place, including facilities to sanitise hands between handling individual animals, foot dips outside every stable, and coveralls changed between caring for different horses. Each horse must have its own tack, equipment and buckets, and there must be facilities for disinfecting mucking-out equipment.

“British Showjumping expects members’ local veterinary surgeons to verify these standards are in place on the isolation premises,” a BS spokesman said.

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International competition halted owing to ‘rapid evolution’ of EHV-1 outbreak

Yesterday (1 March) the FEI confirmed four horses had died in Valencia, 84 horses at the venue were showing clinical

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‘Minimal risk’ of EHV-1 spread in the UK but riders urged to act ‘responsibly’

“This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of biosecurity, vaccination and having plans in place for protecting horses

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

All horses on the premises must be monitored, including those who have not recently travelled in Europe, with temperatures kept twice daily and recorded, with records available to be reviewed by the vet.

All horses on the premises will be excluded from BS, and all other British Equestrian member bodies, training and competition.

These measures will apply until either all horses on the premises have been free of clinical signs for at least 28 days since the last horse returned from the areas above, or lab data showing all horses are free from disease is provided to BS. For details of this data, and the current views on vaccination, visit the BS website.

BS will continue to advise members as the European outbreak progresses.

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‘Minimal risk’ of EHV-1 spread in the UK but riders urged to act ‘responsibly’

Becky Murray — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 16:14:04 +0000

The risk of the European outbreak of equine herpes virus (EHV-1) affecting horses in the UK is considered “very small” but riders and owners are recommended to act “responsibly”.

Following confirmed reports of EHV-1 outbreaks in France, Germany and Belgium relating to the outbreak of the virus at a showjumping tour in Valencia, the FEI announced last night (1 March) that international competition in 10 countries had been suspended until 28 March.

David Rendle, chair of the British Equine Veterinary Association’s health and medicines committee told H&H the recent cases of neurological herpes linked to horses competing is “clearly a concern” but said provided all competitors act responsibly, the risk to other horses in the UK “should be very small”.

“All horses that were potentially in contact have been traced and the competitors have been informed. All competitors have been issued with clear guidelines on isolating, monitoring and testing their horses and will not be able to compete their horses again at FEI events until the testing requirements are fulfilled,” he said.

“Provided competitors follow this guidance, isolate their horses effectively, and act responsibly there is minimal risk of spread within the UK. Equine herpes virus can be highly contagious but it typically spreads horse to horse over short distances of only a few metres. Unlike other viruses such as influenza, spread over greater distances is very unlikely and effective quarantine precautions should halt disease transmission.”

Mr Rendle added that BEVA emphasises the importance of competitors fully adhering to the guidelines provided by the FEI, and BEVA urges vets to remain vigilant to the possibility of EHV in horses returning from Europe.

“This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of biosecurity, vaccination and having plans in place for protecting horses travelling to, and returning home from, events. It also highlights the value of being able to rapidly identify and trace horses returning from competition,” he said.

“The signs of infection with equine herpes virus include fever, coughing and clear nasal discharge. The neurological form is characterised by lack of coordination, weakness, difficulty in urinating and defecating and inability to stand up. Some strains are also associated with abortion. Any horses exhibiting these signs should be isolated immediately and veterinary advice should be sought.”

British Equestrian’s head national vet John McEwen told H&H that there is a small number of British riders in Valencia but added that no horses had returned to the UK from the venue, and there have been no cases of EHV-1 in the UK relating to Valencia.

“I think it’s sensible to recommend riders should take as little risk as possible. It is very infectious and because it has the consequences of the neurological attached it is a very serious issue.”

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‘The most serious outbreak in Europe for decades’: four horses die from EHV-1 as more cases confirmed

In an update today (1 March) the FEI confirmed four horses had died from the neurological form of EHV-1 in

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

International competition halted owing to ‘rapid evolution’ of EHV-1 outbreak

Yesterday (1 March) the FEI confirmed four horses had died in Valencia, 84 horses at the venue were showing clinical

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“We need as much information as we can about the outbreak, where horses have gone that went from the show that may have been infected, and where the subsequent outbreaks are through Europe,” he said.

Mr McEwen added that British Equestrian has a body called the equine infectious diseases advisory group which helps advise the organisation’s member bodies on all major potential disease outbreaks.

“We also have an emergency response group where if we had an outbreak in the UK, the group would be there to support immediately,” he said. “You never know when you’re when you’re going to be hit by a crisis, and when something like this happens people aren’t always used to dealing with these types of crises. But having something they can fall back on that is documented and all the advice is there, written and checked by senior members of the profession who are the leaders in disease speciality, is quite useful.”

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International competition halted owing to ‘rapid evolution’ of EHV-1 outbreak

Becky Murray — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 11:15:58 +0000

International competition has been cancelled in 10 European countries with immediate effect owing to the “rapid evolution of a very aggressive” strain of equine herpes.

The FEI announced last night (1 March) that owing to the outbreak of the neurological form of EHV-1 which originated in Valencia, competition was off in France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Austria, Poland, the Netherlands, Germany and Slovakia, until 28 March.

“This decision applies to all FEI disciplines, but in order to prevent huge numbers of horses simultaneously departing the jumping tours on the Iberian Peninsula, in Italy and Belgium that have been ongoing for a number of weeks, these specific tours will be allowed to continue as individual “bubbles” on the condition that absolutely no new horses are allowed to enter the venues and no positive cases of EHV-1 are confirmed,” said an FEI spokesman.

“The jumping tour venues in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain, Vilamoura, Portugal, San Giovanni in Marignano and and Gorla Minore, Italy, will have stringent biosecurity protocols in place and additional FEI veterinary delegates onsite. Horses will only be permitted to leave these venues when they are in possession of an official health certificate from the local veterinary authorities.”

The spokesman added that any horses leaving these venues without this documentation will be blocked on the FEI database. It is also illegal to transport a horse without an official health certificate.

The organisers of the Met Tour in Oliva Nova, Spain, and Opglabbeek, Belgium, announced yesterday their March events were off, and a number of countries including France had already cancelled their events to minimise the transmission of the virus.

“This was not an easy decision to block events in mainland Europe, particularly after the major disruption to the FEI calendar caused by the Covid-19 pandemic”, said FEI secretary general Sabrina Ibáñez. “But this EHV-1 outbreak is probably the most serious we have had in Europe for many decades and our decision is based on clearly identified epidemiological risk factors.

“This strain of EHV-1 is particularly aggressive and has already caused equine fatalities and a very large number of severe clinical cases. We need to keep our horses safe.”

Yesterday the FEI confirmed four horses had died in Valencia, 84 horses at the venue were showing clinical signs and are being treated, and 11 are being treated in external clinics in Valencia and Barcelona.

Continued below…

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

‘The most serious outbreak in Europe for decades’: four horses die from EHV-1 as more cases confirmed

In an update today (1 March) the FEI confirmed four horses had died from the neurological form of EHV-1 in

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Outbreak of equine herpes virus brings Spanish showjumping tour to a halt

The FEI veterinary department was informed on Saturday (20 February) that four horses who had left the venue on 14

“Cancelling these competitions in mainland Europe, with the exception of the ongoing jumping tours in the Iberian Peninsula and Italy, limits the number of horses travelling internationally and therefore reduces the likelihood of this very serious virus being transmitted on an increasingly wider scale. We also strongly recommend that the affected member federations should also cancel their national events,” said Ms Ibáñez.

“We are very conscious of the fact that this is a very stressful and distressing time, and that this is potentially hugely disruptive for those athletes aiming for their minimum eligibility requirements (MERs) or confirmation results for Tokyo, but we are looking at ways to alleviate that in order to assist athlete/horse combinations in getting their MERs or confirmation results once the events in mainland Europe are allowed to resume.”

The spokesman added the FEI is conscious that some athletes have already arrived at competition venues or are en route, and the organisation is directly contacting all impacted athletes entered in events between now and 28 March.

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‘The most serious outbreak in Europe for decades’: four horses die from EHV-1 as more cases confirmed

Becky Murray — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 14:17:45 +0000

Four horses have died of equine herpes (EHV) in Valencia in the “most serious outbreak in Europe for decades” as more cases are confirmed in other countries.

The Spanish showjumping event CES Valencia Spring Tour, was brought to halt after horses who had left the venue on 14 February became sick shortly after returning to their home countries and subsequently tested positive for EHV-1. More than 150 horses remained at the venue while tracing, testing, and treatment was under way. The FEI confirmed the Valencia outbreak is the neurological form of EHV-1. Horses who have this form can develop a lack of coordination, weakness, difficulty in urinating and defecating and being unable to stand. Horses that are severely affected by this form of the disease may have to be euthanased.

In an update today (1 March) the FEI confirmed four horses had died in Valencia over the weekend (27-28 February).

“We are currently experiencing what is probably the most serious EHV-1 outbreak in Europe for decades and, while the Spanish veterinary authorities are in charge onsite in Valencia, the FEI veterinary department is driving coordination of both the onsite and wider measures in direct cooperation with the Spanish national federation,” an FEI spokesman said.

“As many of you will have seen on social media and other online media platforms, there are some very distressing images and footage of extremely sick horses in Valencia. Tragically four horses have now died over the weekend, 84 on-venue horses are showing clinical signs and are being treated, and a further 11 are being treated in external clinics (nine in Valencia and two in Barcelona).

“The treatment of horses on venue has been vastly improved with additional veterinary support and medical supplies, with 21 veterinarians now on site.”

British showjumper Andrew Saethers had been due to travel home from Valencia on 22 February but remains on site with his four geldings, who are still experiencing a fever.

“It’s like a war zone here and I’m struggling,” he told H&H. “It’s an awful situation, there’s no other way of describing it.

“No one knows what to do; I’ve been going to shows all my life and have never experienced anything like this. The situation changes hourly, it’s a really dangerous virus and people need to be warned.”

Andrew said he had helped build a winch to help treat horses.

“There was no room in the clinics so we improvised and built a crane ourselves to help them out. The two vets that were here from the start deserve a medal – they ran from horse to horse. There’s now loads more vets so the horses are being checked twice a day whether they have symptoms [signs] or not,” he said.

“I’ve no idea when I’ll get to come home, it could be a long time. How I’m going to manage this financially I don’t know but first of all I need to get my horses healthy – I’m not going anywhere until they’re right.”

The FEI spokesman said the FEI ordered extra stabling at the venue so healthy and recovered horses can be better separated from sick animals to prevent further transmission. 44 temporary stables are being transported from the south of France today, and 22 boxes will also be supplied to the Valencia Equine Hospital to free up emergency treatment permanent stables.

“Additionally, the French national federation and the FEI have coordinated a supply of inflatable support mats to assist recumbent horses to stand. Rescue nets and emergency slings are being sourced from Switzerland. The French and German national federations are also supplying extra veterinarians,” said the spokesman.

“A member of the FEI veterinary department is onsite in Valencia and establishing improved lines of communication between the authorities, the Valencia organisers and athletes”.

The spokesman said as this strain of EHV-1 is “particularly aggressive” and there are now confirmed related outbreaks in France, Belgium and Germany, the FEI remains concerned that several sick and in-contact horses left the venue before it was closed for departures and that they may spread the disease.

“Although the FEI has blocked all these horses in the FEI database until the required testing protocols have been fulfilled, the FEI has again directly contacted national federations with horses that participated in Valencia requesting confirmation that they have contacted all their athletes that were in Valencia, that their national veterinary authorities have been informed about the outbreak and the returning horses, and that the necessary isolation of returning horses and in-contact horses has been put in place and compliance is being controlled,” said the spokesman.

“The FEI is also collating further information about related outbreaks and the measures put in place at local level to handle an outbreak. The veterinary department, supported by leading epidemiologists, is undertaking a constant risk assessment in order to take and advise on correct preventive measures.”

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(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Outbreak of equine herpes virus brings Spanish showjumping tour to a halt

The FEI veterinary department was informed on Saturday (20 February) that four horses who had left the venue on 14

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Equine herpes virus – all you need to know right now

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

The spokesman said while the priority remains the current outbreak and minimising the risk of further transmission, the FEI will be using data gathered from this outbreak to evaluate the effectiveness of the EHV-1 vaccine, by looking at which of the 752 horses that participated at Valencia had been vaccinated, which had symptoms or were asymptomatic, and which horses have died.

“The FEI will continue to work closely with the affected national federations and update the wider community as soon as new information becomes available,” he said.

“At this critical time we are grateful for the way our community continues to come together to deal with this outbreak.This is a true example of solidarity among our national federations in Europe working together with the FEI. And we owe a special vote of gratitude to the Spanish, French and German federations for all their incredible support in this time of need.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Outbreak of equine herpes virus brings Spanish showjumping tour to a halt

Becky Murray — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 18:15:55 +0000

An outbreak of equine herpes virus (EHV) has brought a Spanish showjumping tour to a halt – as tracing is under way to find horses who had already left the competition.

The CES Valencia Spring Tour began on 28 January and had been scheduled to run until 14 March but the disease outbreak was reported at the weekend. The competition has now been cancelled. One horse has been taken to a veterinary hospital with neurological signs and 50 horses at the venue have developed a fever. EHV-1 can cause respiratory problems, abortion in pregnant mares and, in rare cases, neurological problems leading to paralysis.

An FEI spokesman told H&H the FEI veterinary department was informed on Saturday (20 February) that four horses who had left the venue on 14 February became sick shortly after returning to their home country, and subsequently tested positive for EHV-1. The FEI was unable to confirm to H&H which countries the horses had returned to owing as this is confidential medical information.

“We are not aware of any horses currently onsite in Valencia that have tested positive to EHV, however we were informed that there were 50 horses at the venue with fever on Sunday (21 February) night. One horse with neurological signs was referred to a veterinary hospital and is currently receiving treatment,” said the spokesman.

“In accordance with the FEI veterinary regulations horses that have attended Valencia since 1 February 2021 are blocked in the FEI database and will not be permitted to enter any FEI events until they have fulfilled the necessary testing requirements.”

The spokesman added any horse travelling with a fever is not only a potential carrier and therefore likely to spread the virus to all other horses in the transport, but is at increased risk of developing shipping fever or the more serious neurological form of EHV.

“It is also a violation of EU transport legislation to travel with a sick horse, except for transport to veterinary facilities. Only symptom-free horses should travel and horses leaving Valencia must have their temperature taken prior to travel,” said the spokesman.

Yesterday (22 February) a British Equine Veterinary Association spokesman said 150 horses remain at the venue and are subject to biosecurity measures and testing under the direction of FEI vets and the local veterinary authority.

“All athletes whose horses have attended and left the event since 1 February 2021 are being traced,” said the spokesman.

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(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Equine herpes virus – all you need to know right now

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

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(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

The CES Valencia Spring Tour show director Charo Ortells Torregrosa said the venue must wait for results from the laboratory in the following days.

“With tears in my eyes, I must say that this situation has affected all the riders and the organising committee,” he said. “We have all been victims of a contagious virus that has made us have to suspend the competition in the middle of the fourth week.

“We want to thank our team so much for how they have handled this in the best possible way, the veterinarians of the contest for their work and dedication, and those riders who have been aware of the seriousness of the matter and have supported us and respected our difficult decisions. We will keep you informed of the situation.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Equine herpes: calls for vigilance after neurological cases confirmed in multiple countries

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 15:28:17 +0000

Riders are urged to be vigilant for the signs of equine herpes virus (EHV) after cases of the neurological form of the virus have been confirmed in multiple countries.

Four horses died as a result of the outbreak of neurological EHV-1 at Crofton Manor, Hampshire, last month. But in total, more than 70 cases of this form of the virus have been reported since 1 January last year, in Belgium, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway and the Czech Republic, as well as in Canada and the US.

The neurological form of the disease is considered by the FEI to be “a significant threat to equine health and equine events”.

The FEI has traced those responsible for horses who may have been in close contact with confirmed cases at shows last year to ask them to implement biosecurity measures and monitor the situation.

“Please alert athletes and their support teams to the risks associated with this virus and encourage them to be vigilant,” an FEI statement issued today (10 February) reads.

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EHV outbreak: two more horses put down as centres close their doors

Venues in Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey and West Sussex are among those to announce closures

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Equine herpes virus – all you need to know right now

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

“Changes have been made to the 2020 FEI veterinary regulations so horses that show clinical signs or have been in contact with affected horses will not be allowed to access FEI events. They may not be entered in future FEI events until they have fulfilled health requirements as determined by the FEI veterinary department.

“In the event of a horse developing clinical signs of the virus, the horse must be placed in isolation, strict biosecurity measures implemented and samples taken for diagnostic testing. In-contact horses must be identified, placed under strict biosecurity measures and carefully monitored.”

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All-clear for Crofton Manor after devastating herpes outbreak

Becky Murray — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 16:40:03 +0000

Crofton Manor has been given the all-clear from equine herpes virus (EHV-1) following the devastating outbreak that claimed the lives of four horses last month.

The Hampshire equestrian centre went on lockdown after it confirmed positive cases of the neurological strain of the virus, equine herpes myeloencephalopathy, the first diagnosed on 7 January.

All horses at Crofton were re-swabbed and blood-tested on 22 January and a spokesman for the centre said the yard is clear of the disease.

“We have just finished a meeting with the vets and they have confirmed that Crofton Manor is now clear as of Friday 31 January,” said the statement.

“Thank you once again to all our liveries and vets for their hard work and dedication over this very stressful time.”

The spokesman said the centre could open to outside events as of 2 March but that further updates will be provided over the next few days.

On 13 January British Showjumping (BS) introduced a requirement for horses and ponies who had competed at Crofton since 20 December to provide a negative swab and blood test before competing at any BS show. A spokesman for BS told H&H this restriction has been lifted as of today (4 February).

Article continued below…

(Image credit: Future)

Competition centre praised for its actions following equine herpes virus outbreak

The competition centre and livery yard is on complete lockdown and all shows are cancelled until further notice

(Image credit: Future)

EHV outbreak: two more horses put down as centres close their doors

Venues in Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey and West Sussex are among those to announce closures

(Image credit: Future)

Many venues in the Hampshire and surrounding areas, as well as Liphook Equine Hospital, which imposed temporary restrictions on horse movements have since re-opened after the disease was contained to horses liveried at Crofton.

“We are very pleased to announce the final set of test results from the horses at Liphook Equine Hospital have all come back perfectly clear,” a spokesman for Liphook said on 22 January.

“Although we took the cautious step of temporarily closing our hospital to ensure no risk to the wider equine community, we are now fully confident there is no infectious threat from either the hospital or horses who have been staying here. Consequently the hospital is now open again for business as usual.”

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Which horses need the tetanus vaccination?

Tetanus vaccination schedule

Other relevant info

Equine herpes virus (EHV) vaccination for horses

What is equine herpes virus?

Which horses need an EHV vaccine?

EHV vaccination schedule

Other relevant info

Equine rotavirus vaccination for horses

New strangles vaccine

Reactions to vaccines

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Vigilance urged after horses die in French equine herpes outbreak

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‘Extra vigilance’ advised as neurological equine herpes reported in France

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Equine herpes virus – all you need to know right now

Types of EHV

Is it serious?

What are the signs of equine herpes virus?

How is it spread?

Diagnosis of equine herpes virus

Treatment of equine herpes virus

What to do during an equine herpes virus outbreak

Can you vaccinate against equine herpes?

How to prevent an equine herpes virus outbreak

Latest update: 19 November, 2024

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“All information in relation to the horse health requirements is available on the dedicated hub. Should you have any questions regarding this matter, don’t hesitate to contact the veterinary department.”

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The Valencia Veterinary department decided that all the horses stabled in the same tent as the four that had tested positive had to remain on the venue for at least one week.

“The temperature of all horses at the venue is taken two to three times daily, and in the latest report from 1 March, no horse had presented fever or any clinical signs.”

MAPA, supported by the FEI, has extended the initial safety measures to avoid a further spread of virus from the venue. To leave the venue, horses must present a negative sample, followed by a second sample 14 days later, and a third on day 15. All three samples must be negative for EHV.

“Release from isolation” can only take place on the advice of a vet, and to be compete at an FEI event, horses need to complete with all the return to competition precautions and have the restriction lifted by the FEI vet department.

Discussing the current status of the spread of the disease, the FEI spokesman confirmed seven horses departed Oliva prior to the first confirmed case of EHV-1; one travelled to Valencia, Spain, four to Vejer de la Frontera, Spain, and two to Doha, Qatar.

“They were immediately isolated on request of the FEI and are currently applying the FEI return to competition protocols while in isolation. To date, none of the horses have been reported to present fever or clinical signs,” he said.

The spokesman added that six horses returning from Oliva to Limburg, the Netherlands, have tested positive for EHV-1 and have been placed in quarantine, where they are being closely monitored.

“Unrelated to Oliva, in Vilamoura, Portugal, two horses with fever were placed in isolation, however their test results for EHV-1 were negative,” he said.

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EHV prompts temporary British competition ban for horses returning from affected shows

BEVA added that it would be “prudent, although it is not mandatory”, for yards to isolate and test horses who returned from either venue before 18 February. Detailed quarantine procedures are available on the BEVA website.

A BS spokesman said: “We would like to remind all members about the need to have biosecurity measures in place when introducing new horses to yards and the importance of monitoring horse’s temperatures and health especially if you are stabling away from home amongst other horses.”

Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons said it can help with diagnostic testing of horses.

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Major showjumping tour cancelled after horses test positive for equine herpes virus

Swabs were taken, four of which were positive, four negative and two inconclusive. None of the horses are showing signs of neurological illness.

A total of 989 horses have been taking part in the tour, but all others who have not been stabled in the tent affected are allowed to leave the site as long as a veterinary check shows them free of any signs of illness.

All these horses will have to return home and will be blocked from competing.

“The organising committee of the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour is working closely with the Valencia Veterinary Department as well as the FEI, and follows all protocols to protect the horses,” the spokesman said.

“For all participants at all competitions, please be reminded of the importance of the biosecurity requirements and best practices in the FEI veterinary regulations. Checking and recording temperatures twice daily is mandatory at FEI events.”

In Lier, a horse showing signs at the weekend was isolated, and EHV-1 was confirmed at the start of the week. The horse and another 25 deemed to have been in contact were blocked from the FEI database.

Blocked horses may not compete until they have fulfilled certain health requirements, imposed to minimise transmission of the virus. Mandatory biosecurity measures include isolation for a minimum of 21 days, taking twice-daily rectal temperatures and conducting lab testing for EHV-1.

“We are grateful for the community’s vigilance in all matters of biosecurity and once again reiterate the importance of the horse health requirements and all the preventative measures the community can actively apply in order to minimise the risk of disease transmission.”

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Vet suspended by FEI for failing to carry out EHV-1 by-laws he thought were ‘stupid’

When Schelkens and the FEI could not reach an agreement on these “outstanding matters”, and as there was no request for an oral hearing, the Tribunal informed both that a decision would be based on the case file.

The Tribunal said although Schelkens admitted not applying by-laws, he did not appear to do so to gain “personal advantage” and ruled that though he breached the FEI vet rules, he did not breach the officials’ code of conduct by expressing negative opinions

“If we were to accept the FEI’s interpretation, no stakeholder, rider, trainer or official could ever express opinions regarding rules, regulations and measures adopted by the FEI, without having the risk of infringing the officials’ code of conduct,” stated the Tribunal report.

The Tribunal found the breaches of the by-laws “very serious offences” and took into account Schelkens’ role as an FEI official. The Tribunal upheld Schelkens’ three-year suspension and fined him 2,000 CHF (£1,754). He must also pay 1,000 CHF (£877) towards the FEI’s legal costs.

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EHV-1 vaccinations will not be compulsory for FEI competitions following major outbreak

“Although not unanimous, the consensus among the group was that there is currently insufficient scientific justification to recommend mandatory vaccination,” an FEI spokesman said.

“As current vaccines are also ineffective against the neurological form of EHV-1, it was agreed further research needs to take place to allow the development of improved vaccines.”

FEI veterinary director Göran Åkerström said the publication of the final part of the report is a “significant milestone”.

“It marks the end of an important – and very sad – chapter in the history of our community, but a chapter from which we have all learned so much,” he said.

FEI president Ingmar De Vos thanked the individuals and organisations that gave time and financial resources to help through the “crisis”.