There has not yet been any recorded positive cases of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) neurological form detected in Ireland.

A total of 113 horses will return to Ireland after competing at show jumping tours in Spain and Portugal over the coming weeks. About one third of horses have already arrived back on Irish soil and are in quarantine.

These horses have all had their first of two PCR tests and their second test will take place on day 12 of their 14-day quarantine.

Sadly, the number of horses who have died from the EHV-1 neurological form has risen to 12, with two of these deaths occurring on site in Valencia, where the outbreak began, six in a hospital in Valencia and the remaining four in Barcelona and Germany.

Showjumping Ireland (SJI) has released guidelines for all stakeholders (riders, owners, grooms and drivers) who are returning from Europe, outlining that they cannot attend any SJI event for a period of 14 days from their arrival home.

Horses returning from Europe must quarantine and cannot attend any SJI event for a period of 28 days upon return to Ireland and must present two clear tests as outlined by HSI, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Irish Equine Centre (IEC).

Premises where horses have returned from Europe must provide veterinary documentation to the SJI office to support evidence of isolation from other horses under their care before they can attend any SJI event.

It is imperative that all stakeholders abide by these rules in order to prevent EHV-1 from spreading in Ireland.