The organizers of the Helsinki Horse Show have acted quickly in response to the EHV1 herpesvirus cases detected in Finland. The event organizer and the competition veterinarian have been in contact with the FEI’s Senior Veterinary & Equine Welfare Manager Gonçalo Paixão to decide the necessary precautionary measures. FEI will be issuing communication via the Horse App to all entered athletes regarding the current EHV-1 situation in Helsinki, including an outline of the protective measures that will be implemented.
FEI has agreed to the plan to separate the international horses completely from the resigning Finnish horses. There are two competition arenas and warmups, International and national arenas.
An instruction letter prepared by the competition veterinarian was sent on Tuesday to all riders competing at regional, national and international levels and resigning in Finland. All the horses entering the competition stables from Finland are required to present a negative EHV PCR test taken between 22–23 February. The sample must be analyzed in an FEI‑approved laboratory. In addition, all horses must have at least five days of recorded temperature measurements, and temperatures must also be taken during the event days.
Horses living permanently in Finland will be stabled separate preventing any risk of contamination with foreign horses. All stables, areas reserved for horses, and equipment will be cleaned with Virkon‑S disinfectant before the horses arrive.
Although infections have been confirmed at only a few stables in the Helsinki metropolitan area, a comprehensive action plan has been created to minimize the risk of further spread and to ensure the horses’ wellbeing.
Event staff and volunteers will follow strict hygiene protocols, and the same is recommended for everyone working with horses. Also, the stewards have been advised to supervise all the movement of the horses. Treating vets are allowed to do unannounced testing for the horses in addition to the regular veterinary inspections and required tests.
More information:
CEO Valtteri Gundersby, +358 40 5798961, valtteri.gundersby@helsinkihorseshow.fi
