The ongoing outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus 1 (EHV-1) in Valencia, Spain is extremely worrying for the entire equine industry.

The outbreak is being monitored closely by Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), the Irish Equine Centre (IEC) and the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM). There are currently no reports of any cases in Ireland.

The virus has already claimed the lives of six equines in Spain, all of which are connected to the show jumping tour in Valencia.

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Two horse trucks have returned to Ireland from the Spanish event and these are under strict quarantine and surveillance by DAFM.

In most cases of EVH-1, symptoms include a fever, swollen lymph nodes (glands under the jaws), nasal discharge and occasional coughing. The virus is spread when a horse coughs or snorts and can also be spread via humans, though humans cannot contract the disease themselves. It may be transmitted by staying on surfaces such as clothing or equipment.

A vaccine against EHV-1 is available, but it does not protect horses against the neurological form of the disease.

It is important to note that horses will only be permitted to leave FEI competition venues when they have received an official health certificate from the local veterinary authorities. Each venue will have strict biosecurity measures in place as well as additional veterinary delegates on site. All movements will be notified via the EU Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES), which will allow entry via Irish ports.

HSI is in contact with the Irish-based athletes who are due to return in the coming days from Spain and other continental venues and have advised them of the seriousness of the matter.

Protocols include strict quarantine for horses, grooms and athletes, together with interval nasopharyngeal swabs which must be analysed by PCR testing, during the 14-day window. The isolated horses must be kept in a stable block or well ventilated building that is physically separated from other horses by at least 10m. American barns with poor ventilation are not suitable.

Horses can also be kept isolated in a paddock; the secure fence lines must be at least 10m away from the next paddock.

Isolated horses must be attended by separate staff who are not in contact with horses on other (non-isolated) premises.

The isolation period for all isolated horses shall be deemed from the start time of entry of the last horse. No person may enter the isolation facility unless specifically authorised to do so.

To view the full list of protocols, visit www.horsesportireland.ie