The FEI Veterinary Department has issued an alert regarding an outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) in France, linked to a national event held in Le Mans from November 1–3, 2024. As of November 20, the outbreak has resulted in multiple fatalities and cases reported across three different French regions.
An FEI event held at the same venue from November 8–11 involved horses stabled separately from those in the national competition, with no direct contact reported between the two groups. Despite these precautions, EHV-1 is a highly contagious, air-borne disease, capable of spreading up to five meters through coughing, as well as through direct contact, people, and shared equipment.
What You Need to Know About EHV-1:
- Transmission: Airborne, direct contact, via people, and contaminated equipment.
- Symptoms: Respiratory and neurological signs, abortion in pregnant mares, and death in young foals.
- Prevention: Keep horse-to-horse contact to a minimum and avoid training events, breeding activities, or any gatherings with your horses.
Stay Vigilant
The equestrian community is urged to monitor their horses closely for any signs of infectious disease. Immediate veterinary attention should be sought if symptoms arise. To help mitigate further spread, strict biosecurity measures must be maintained.
For more information and resources on EHV-1, visit the FEI EHV-1 Hub.
