Quarantine order lifted for showjump horses

Quarantine order lifted for showjump horses
Horse Jumping, Equestrian Sports, Show Jumping Competition themed photo

Equine herpesvirus threat now abated, say vets

A spate of 1 (EHV-1), thought to have come from the continent, has now abated, vets have said.

A rise in cases had meant horses from continental Europe were placed in quarantine for as long as 10 days after British Showjumping, British Eventing and British Dressage imposed the measure.

But while outbreaks of EHV-1 are still being seen in the UK and Europe, the British Equestrian’s Equine Infectious Disease Advisory Group (EIDAG) has concluded it is now at typical level.

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

‘Screening continues’

“Horses going to European competitions may be required by the FEI [Fédération Equestre Internationale] 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 reactivated 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.”