THE Department of Agriculture has notified all Irish breeders that in the absence of the Equine Viral Arteritis [EVA] vaccine until after the 2024 breeding season all new stallions should be tested by November 24th and all stallions at six-monthly intervals thereafter.

The virology laboratory at the Irish Equine Centre carries out testing for EVA and its experienced staff are available to provide advice on all aspects of testing to referring vets.

Debbie Grey, CEO of the Equine Centre, said: “Our ability to move and breed horses freely relies on Ireland’s valued high health status and we are urging all breeders to remain vigilant for occurrence of this disease, particularly in relation to imported horses and imported semen.

“We encourage all breeders in the thoroughbred and non-thoroughbred sectors to consult and adhere to the Codes of Practice provided by the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association and Horse Sport Ireland, which provide detailed information on the prevention and control of EVA and other diseases.

“Please do make contact with us if you are concerned or have questions in this regard and remember to follow us on your social platforms to see any news we put out in this regard.”

Des Leadon, veterinary advisor to the ITBA, commented: “Those who wish to inform themselves about EVA and its consequences and control can do so readily by recourse to the International Codes of Practice and, in particular, the online version.

“Furthermore the Department has supplied further information on EVA on its website and has also offered to respond to queries in relation to EVA by email.

“Although there is a very high level of compliance with the International Codes of Practice in the thoroughbred sector, there is an equal onus in the non-thoroughbred sector on those who import semen from abroad, and those who use natural service, to protect everyone in the industry by complying with the Codes.

“This is indeed in the national interest, and forfeiture of Ireland’s disease free status in relation to EVA, and the current freedoms that we enjoy in terms of international movement, would be a tragedy”

The Department and Irish Equine Centre are reacting to the recent announcement by pharma giant Zoetis that a shortage of the Equip Artervac EVA vaccine will continue until autumn 2024 at the earliest.

Stallion owners are strongly advised to blood-sample all previously vaccinated stallions and teasers and to urgently submit these surveillance blood samples before November 24th, and thereafter at six-monthly intervals, to the Virology Division, CVRL, Backweston Campus, Celbridge, Kildare W23 N9FA.

Any new stallions to commence breeding in 2024 should also submit blood samples to confirm their EVA-negative status before they start breeding activity.

Additionally all breeders are strongly encouraged to review and optimise their biosecurity protocols on farm in advance of the 2024 breeding season in line with the International Codes of Practice.

EVA queries: ndcc@agriculture.gov.ie