MOSCOW, 4 Mar - RIA Novosti. An outbreak of classic equine rhinopneumoniae herpes virus (EHV-1) has been reported in Europe, which could interfere with the preparation of riders for the Tokyo Olympics, according to the website of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).
An outbreak of equine herpes originated in Valencia, Spain and has already spread to at least three other European countries. The Federation has canceled all international competitions in all disciplines in 10 countries by March 28 to prevent the simultaneous dressage of horses.
It is noted that the jumping tours in Italy and Belgium, which have been going on for several weeks, will not be interrupted, but they will be held in "bubbles", provided that new horses are not admitted to the competition venues, and if new cases of the disease are not confirmed in animals. Horses are not allowed to be transported without an official health certificate.
“It was not an easy decision to cancel competitions in Europe, especially after the severe disruption to the FEI calendar caused by the coronavirus pandemic,” said FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibanez. “But this EHV-1 outbreak is probably the most serious. in Europe for many decades, and our decision is based on well-defined epidemiological risk factors."
“This EHV-1 strain is very aggressive and has already caused many deaths in horses and a very large number of severe clinical cases. We need to keep our horses safe. We also know that a large number of horses have left the Valencia competition without an official health certificate. means that their health status is unknown. Some horses have already been sick and the risk of transmission from these horses is of great concern, she added.
An outbreak of equine herpes could prevent athletes from qualifying for the Tokyo Games, Ibanez said. The Olympics are expected to take place in Tokyo from July 23rd to August 8th.
