10,000 vaccine doses for equine herpesvirus (EHV) have been delivered to Ireland, following an outbreak of the disease in Europe.
An outbreak of EHV at a high-profiling showjumping event in Valencia, Spain, raised concerns that Irish horses competing at European events would bring the virus back to Ireland,
This led to the vaccines being ordered quickly to prevent the spread in Ireland. EHV spreads fast and can be difficult to treat, though vaccines provide significant protection.
Shane O’Dwyer, CEO of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association described the outbreak as “potentially fatal” and said has caused serious concern among thoroughbred breeders worried it could spread into Ireland.
EHV vaccines can only be administered by registered veterinarians.
Joe Reynolds, acting CEO of Horse Sport Ireland said the organisation had moved quickly to establish protocols to ensure the safe return of horses from oversees to minimize any transmission risk.
“Having access to a vaccine is a very welcome development and we hope to see widespread use throughout our industry, but we must maintain a vigilance and continue to follow all veterinary guidance,” Mr Reynolds said.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine promptly provided the AR 16 licence required to import veterinary medicines in exceptional circumstances. The shipment of vaccines was supplied from Coolmore Stud and the Fethard Equine Hospital in the USA.
LSL News.