“Prevent the spread,” says BEVA following Spanish EHV-1 outbreak

An outbreak of equine herpes virus-1 in Spain earlier this month has led to British Equestrian Veterinary Association (BEVA) urging owners to exercise caution to prevent the disease from spreading

Spain saw an outbreak of neurological equine herpes virus-1 (EHV-1) in early March, and BEVA is urging owners across the UK – particularly those looking to return to competition in April – to take care and be cautious to avoid spreading this dangerous disease.

A highly contagious virus that’s spread by horses being in close contact, EHV-1 can also be transferred via people or objects. It doesn’t spread over long distances in the air, so is particularly transmittable in indoor barns with shared air spaces. EHV-1 is capable of causing neurological disease and can be fatal. Following the outbreak in Spain, the disease has spread to other yards in Europe and the Middle East as horses have been transported home following competition.

“The consequences of this outbreak have been devastating and, understandably, there’s anxiety that horses returning to the UK may be carrying it, potentially spreading infection back in the UK,” said David Rendle, Chair of BEVA’s Health and Medicines Committee. “To prevent this from happening, it’s essential that returning competitors comply with the quarantine plans that have been put in place by British Showjumping.

“If returning horses are quarantined effectively, and ideally screened using suitable laboratory tests on their return, then the risk to the wider UK equine population is very small,” said David. “British Showjumping and the BEF have acted swiftly and responsibly with support from BEVA to put controls in place. Assuming that everyone continues to act responsibly and follow advice, then the risk of this fatal disease spreading among UK horses will be minimised.”

For more information, visit beva.org.uk and for quarantine guidelines, visit britishshowjumping.co.uk