The international equestrian federation FEI will immediately end all current and upcoming events. The reason is an outbreak of the horse-deadly rhinopneumonia virus at a competition in Valencia.
The FEI is talking about the “worst outbreak” in decades. By curbing international competitive sport, the federation hopes to prevent the virus from spreading throughout Europe. The Dutch Masters event, which was scheduled from 12 to 14 March in the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch, is also canceled.
Four horses died
At least four horses that were present at the competition in the Spanish city have died. More than 80 horses show symptoms of disease. There were 25 Dutch horses present at the competition in question, 13 are now in isolation in their own environment, 12 are still in Spain. There are no combinations that are part of the Olympic framework of national coach Rob Ehrens.
Iris Boelhouwer, technical director of the KNHS, says that the priority now is to get all horses healthy in the Netherlands and to prevent further spread of the virus.
Very contagious
According to a spokeswoman for the KNHS, the virus is highly contagious and the complaints range from mild cold complaints to serious neurological symptoms.
Most horses have been vaccinated against the disease, but that is not 100 percent certainty.
The Dutch federation KNHS advises “very urgently” not to travel with horses to competitions in Spain.
–
