The organizers of the Helsinki Horse Show have acted quickly and comprehensively in response to the cases of EHV1 herpesvirus confirmed in Finland. The event organizer and the competition veterinarian have been in contact with Gonçalo Paixão , the FEI’s Senior Veterinary & Equine Welfare Manager, to agree on the necessary precautionary measures.
The FEI is sending a message via the Horse App to all international competitors regarding the current EHV-1 situation in Helsinki and the protective measures being implemented at the event. The FEI has approved the organizer’s contingency plan, under which international horses will be kept separate from Finnish horses. Two competition arenas and warm-up arenas are in use.
On Tuesday, all riders competing at the regional, national, and international levels received guidelines prepared by the competition veterinarian regarding the procedures and requirements for the event. All horses arriving at the competition stables from Finland are required to have a negative EHV PCR test result taken by a veterinarian between February 22 and 23. The sample must be analyzed at an FEI-approved laboratory.
Horses permanently residing in Finland are housed in such a way that there is no risk of contamination from horses from other countries. All stalls, areas reserved for horses, and equipment are cleaned with Virkon-S disinfectant before the horses arrive. In addition, all horses must have a temperature log spanning at least five days, and their temperature must also be taken on the days of the event.
Although infections have been detected at only a few stables in the Helsinki metropolitan area, a comprehensive action plan has been drawn up to ensure the welfare of the horses and minimize the risk of further spread. Event staff and volunteers follow strict hygiene guidelines, and the same is recommended for everyone who works with horses.
Event staff and volunteers follow strict hygiene guidelines, and everyone who works with horses is encouraged to do the same. In addition, stewards have been instructed to monitor the horses’ movements within the event area. Attending veterinarians may conduct unannounced tests on the horses in addition to routine veterinary examinations and required tests.
