Sadly the FEI has reported another horse has died as a result of the EHV-1 outbreak. The horse was euthanised in Barcelona, which brings the total number of deaths to 18 in the European outbreak. There does seem to be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, as of last week it is reported that there are no new outbreaks linked to Spain of EHV-1. The FEI have stated that the figures remain static at 31 outbreaks in 10 countries.
After their second meeting the FEI Epidemiology Working Group have said:
“The outbreak appears to be well-contained following updates from National Federations. The reported case numbers seem to be reducing and there have been no reports of disease transmission to tertiary premises within the last week.”
They went on to agree that there is currently no evidence indicating that it would be unsafe to return to international competition in mainland Europe as planned on 12 April, provided the mandated enhanced preventive measures are implemented.
The final four British horses in Valencia are scheduled to leave on 31 March. Some 13 horses from Sweden and Britain left Valencia at the weekend, with another 12 to depart on 29 March.
