WHILE the equine industry dominated the airwaves this week, a major issue that has the devastating potential to upend the entire applecart went largely under the national radar.

It is of course the very real threat posed to the entire equine industry, here and abroad, by the current serious outbreak in Europe of the EHV-1 (Equine Herpes Virus) in mainland Europe. Make no mistake about it, this is the most serious outbreak of its kind in Europe in decades – horses are really suffering with and sadly in some cases, dying from this awful virus. The firsthand account of Thomas Ryan (pictured right) is chilling as he recounts the scenes from an affected showgrounds.

This virus could come into Ireland via any horse – sport horse or thoroughbred – spread from one affected horse to another, the viral load is increased greatly in a shared confined airspace. While there is a vaccine available, not all strains can be covered and outbreaks do sporadically occur.

Steps to take

What can we do to keep it out of Ireland?

Prof. Paddy Wall of UCD advises that if you have any horse coming into Ireland from overseas, make sure to isolate them from any other animals. Take and monitor their temperature every day – the normal range for horses is 99.5 to 101.5 (F) or 37.5 to 38.6 (C). They must not be in any contact with other horses or share the same airspace.

Be extremely vigilant when it comes to biosecurity. Treat this risk similar to what you would do to keep strangles from spreading. Keep all equipment and utensils separate. Take all the steps to ensure you don’t help pass the virus from one horse to another yourself via your hands, boots, clothes etc.

Ireland has had outbreaks of neurological herpesvirus disease with fatalities before – these were successfully contained via voluntary movement restrictions and testing regimes.

Great work is being done by Prof. Ann Cullinane of the Irish Equine Centre and her colleagues. Horse Sport Ireland is also being very proactive. Liase with your own vet if you have concerns.

No case of EHV1 neurological disease has been confirmed in Ireland this year but remember, we are all only ever just one horse away from that picture changing. Play your part.