RACING is unlikely to stop should the current outbreak of Equine herpesvirus (EHV) arrive in Ireland.

A recent EHV outbreak at an international show jumping event in Spain has already claimed 12 equine lives and even led to the suspension of racing at a track in America this week.

Although a small number of horses returned to Ireland from the Spanish event, there have not yet been any EHV cases reported in Ireland recently.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board’s chief veterinary officer Dr Lynn Hillyer says the authorities here have “a very good handle on the situation” and she indicated that a racing stoppage would not be necessary should an isolated EHV case be discovered here.

“We have been monitoring the situation as it relates to Ireland from the outset, working with the FEI National Head Veterinarian, Horse Sport Ireland [HSI], Irish Equine Centre, Horse Racing Ireland and the Department,” Dr Hillyer said.

“We are also in daily contact with veterinary colleagues further afield to understand how the virus is behaving and its effect. Key here has been the process leading to and establishment of the protocol being managed by HSI for horses returning to Ireland from continental Europe.

“Following a meeting with key representatives on Monday, chaired by the Department’s chief veterinary officer Martin Blake, we are reassured that there is a very good handle on the situation through the direct management by HSI of these horses, working with their athletes and their veterinary team.”

Asked if racing could be endangered by a confirmed case in a thoroughbred, Dr Hillyer commented: “In these circumstances we would work closely with those directly affected and the Irish Equine Centre [IEC] to manage the situation according to established responses to equine infectious disease outbreaks.

“Under normal circumstances, equine herpesvirus cases can be well controlled, provided diagnosis and consequent action is rapid and concerted. The team at the IEC are well used and well placed to deal with this scenario should it arise and we would be working with their experts, as we did during the equine influenza outbreak in 2019, to minimise impact to both individual horses and racing in the wider sense.”

Dr Hillyer urged racehorse trainers to watch their horses closely for any symptoms of EGV, such as temperature spike, loss of appetite, or hind limb uncoordination.

“We all need to remain vigilant and be aware that, although not notifiable, this disease has potential to severely impact horse health. If trainers have not done so already we would suggest that they consult their own vet as regards advice in relation to clinical signs, biosecurity and possible vaccination if they are affected by horses returning from continental Europe.

“Whilst horse-to-horse is the most likely route of transmission, humans can act as vectors so ‘at-risk’ premises, which have received horses from continental Europe, should be considered a potential source and biosecurity between premises strictly applied.”

Vaccination against EHV is mandatory among thoroughbreds in France but not yet in Ireland. Even though there are reports that some vaccinated horses on the continent have been infected by the current strain, the Department of Agriculture here is advocating strongly for widespread vaccination.

The Irish Field understands that there is a vaccine shortage in Europe and none at all available in Ireland. However, attempts are being made at a high level to secure enough vaccine to cater for all Irish horse breeders.

Outbreaks of EHV in Ireland are relatively rare but can be fatal.

Web: fei.org

Web: horsesportireland.ie (FEI hub)

Email: equine@ihrb.ie

See Irish HorseWorld >> 76-77