French Equestrian Community Braces for Outbreak of Highly Contagious Horse Virus
/medias/6cOIUcKx8a/image/horses_72285541733318806919-format16by9.jpg "Equine Rhinopneumonia Outbreak Threatens French Equestrian Events")
Credit : Pixabay – Digwen
Outbreak Threatens Competitions and Gatherings
France’s horse community faces a growing concern as an epidemic of equine rhinopneumonia ripples across the country. The Equine Pathology Epidemiological Surveillance Network (Respe) has confirmed multiple outbreaks in various regions, with the most recent bulletin noting an increase in horses experiencing fever in Loire-Atlantique.
“There are three outbreaks in Essonne (91), two outbreaks in Hauts-de-Seine (92), one in Yvelines (78), one in Eure-et-Loir (28), and one in Loire-Atlantique (44),” states Respe’s latest report.
The Respe crisis unit has issued a strong recommendation to cancel or postpone all equestrian competitions and gatherings involving ponies and sport horses until December 15. This comes at an especially challenging time, just days before the highly anticipated Horse Show in Paris, scheduled to open on December 6 after a five-year hiatus.
Equine rhinopneumonia, caused by two viruses, HVE1 and HVE4, is known for its highly contagious nature. The disease primarily manifests in respiratory symptoms but can also lead to abortions in mares. While there is no specific treatment for either virus, vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
France, with its estimated one million horses, is keenly aware of the need for proactive measures to contain this outbreak. The situation remains fluid, and the equestrian community awaits further updates from Respe on the progression of this serious equine illness.
What are the signs and symptoms horse owners should look for in horses that might be infected with equine coronavirus?
## French Equestrian Community on High Alert as Contagious Virus Spreads
**Welcome back to the program. Today we’re joined by Dr. Marie Dubois, equine veterinarian and expert on infectious diseases. Dr. Dubois, thank you for joining us. France is bracing for a potential outbreak of equine coronavirus. Can you tell us more about this virus and the concerns surrounding it?**
**Dr. Dubois:** Thank you for having me. Equine coronavirus, as the name suggests, is a virus that specifically affects horses. It’s highly contagious and can spread rapidly through close contact and contaminated surfaces.
**What are some of the symptoms that horse owners should be looking out for?**
**Dr. Dubois:** Many infected horses will experience mild symptoms like fever, loss of appetite, and mild diarrhea. However, a small percentage of horses, about 7%, can develop severe complications like shock, organ failure, and even neurological problems. [[1](https://ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/equine-coronavirus)]
**That sounds concerning. How long can horses shed the virus and how long do symptoms typically last?**
**Dr. Dubois:** Horses can shed the virus in their feces for up to three weeks, which is why good hygiene practices are crucial in containing outbreaks. Luckily, most horses show symptoms for only about a week.
**What are the precautions that horse owners and stables should be taking to protect their animals?**
**Dr. Dubois:** Strict hygiene protocols are essential. This includes disinfecting stables and equipment regularly, isolating sick horses immediately, and minimizing contact between horses. Also, ensuring all horses are up to date on their vaccinations is crucial.
**Dr. Dubois, thank you for sharing your expertise with us. We hope that by raising awareness and taking preventative measures, the French equestrian community can minimize the impact of this virus.**
**[End Interview]**
