After more than a year, there has been another outbreak of herpes in equestrian sport. Reports from Spain suggest the virus broke out at a major tournament in Valencia. An infection can even be fatal for the animals.
Four horses tested positive for the virus during the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour II in Oliva Nova. The EHV-1 variant was reported to them, according to the organizer’s Facebook page.
The tour, which usually takes place from February 7th to 26th, was originally supposed to be held again last weekend. But the organizers reacted. Because herpes is highly contagious in horses, just like in humans.
Background: The EHV-1 variant of herpes usually causes respiratory diseases in horses – in some cases an infection even ends fatally for the animals. Horses are generally required to be tested as soon as symptoms such as fever or dysphagia appear.
Equestrian: Horses will continue to be tested
“On Tuesday 21st February 2023, ten horses were isolated at the venue in accordance with FEI veterinary regulations after six of them developed fevers. None of them showed signs of neurological disease. All ten horses had been housed in the same tent at the venue before being isolated. Swabs were taken on all ten horses on the same day. On Wednesday, February 22nd, four of the ten tests were positive, four negative and two without a result.
A total of 989 horses took part in this tournament. 82 horses that were in the same tent have to stay in Valencia for now. At the same time, they are tested regularly. Horses that test negative are free to leave the venue.
These horses must be returned to their home stables and will be banned from the FEI database in accordance with FEI Rules.
Already in 2021 there was a severe herpes outbreak – 18 horses died! Exciting: The virus also broke out in Valencia back then and shocked the equestrian world.
Rider Mike Patrick Leichle gave one reason at the time, saying: “The virus is very aggressive.” The “outbreak is probably the worst in many decades in Europe,” said FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez two years ago.