Ten-thousand equine herpes virus (EHV) vaccines have been secured for Ireland, with the first delivery arriving in Shannon Airport last Friday.

The shipment was organised with US suppliers by Coolmore and Fethard Equine Hospital, with the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Minister Charlie McConalogue, said: “With this dangerous virus present in Europe we have moved quickly to support efforts to secure the necessary vaccine to protect our equine industry. The Department’s veterinary experts are monitoring the situation closely, and we are urging all owners to avail of these vaccines for their horses.”

The vaccine will be made available to both the thoroughbred and sport horse industries.

How to get the EHV vaccine

EHV vaccinations can only be administered by registered vets. The vaccinations will be available to veterinary practices via veterinary instruments.

Email: sales@viltd.ie (put EHV as the subject).