Veterinary Department Updates

Due to the ongoing EHV-1 outbreak in the California region, the United States Equestrian Federation has decided to cancel the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ 2022 qualifier in San Juan Capistrano from 10-15 May 2022.

This is the third leg in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ series 2022, and is one of three North/Central America & Caribbean Division events in the series alongside Coapexpan (MEX) and Vancouver (CAN).

The USEF and Organising Committee (OC) are announcing this decision as early as possible in order to allow the teams to get organised and plan alternative competition schedules. The FEI fully understands the difficult decision taken by the USEF and OC in response to the ongoing biosecurity threat, reflecting the community’s firm commitment to equine health and welfare.

A letter issued on 3 March 2022 by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) also calls on all participants and Equestrian Event Coordinators to exercise extreme caution for the next 28 days. “For several weeks, the FEI has closely monitored the development of the EHV-1 outbreak in California and supports the decision to close down competition. Stopping movement of horses is key to prevent further spread of the virus” - FEI Veterinary Director Göran Akerström.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind all athletes and support teams of the important biosecurity protocols in place at all FEI Events. Awareness of and strict adherence to biosecurity protocols is critical to reducing the risk of ongoing disease transmission, and for the protection of the health of the equine athletes.

For more information on the FEI’s Horse Health Requirements and Biosecurity protocols:

• Horse Health Requirements 2022 (These rules protect FEI Horses and global equestrian sports from the consequences of infectious diseases being transmitted before, during and after FEI Events; provide reassurance of the high health of equestrian sport Horses to global, continental and national veterinary authorities and organisations; and, maintain and further improve the conditions for international movement of sport Horses.)
• Biosecurity and Movements (For Biosecurity guidelines; information on real-time equine infectious disease reports on a global scale; and EHV-1 related reports).

In February, the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) issued several health alerts for Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) and continues to actively monitor and maintain an onsite presence at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal following several confirmed cases of EHV-1.

EHV-1 is an air-borne disease that can be transmitted up to five metres via coughing, but also through direct contact, via people and shared equipment. It can cause respiratory and neurological signs, abortion in pregnant mares and death of young foals. Please refer to the FEI’s Equine Herpes Virus factsheet for more detailed information.

The FEI is working closely with the Desert Circuit management team, the CDFA and USEF, to ensure all biosecurity protocols with isolation and quarantine related measures are in place, while affected horses remain under veterinary care and direct supervision. The event venue is currently not allowing any new horses on site and an epidemiological investigation is ongoing to determine links between cases, and potential transmission routes have been identified, with additional mitigation measures implemented to reduce risks of ongoing viral transmission.

Among the mitigation measures, the FEI has recently blocked a number of in-contact horses to prevent the virus being transmitted at future events. All the Persons Responsible (PRs) whose horses have been on the venue and their administering National Federations have been contacted with the necessary information and the biosecurity measures that need to be implemented in order to be unblocked and eligible to compete at FEI Events again.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind all athletes and support teams of the important biosecurity protocols in place at all FEI Events. Awareness of and strict adherence to biosecurity protocols is critical to reducing the risk of ongoing disease transmission, and for the protection of the health of the equine athletes.

For more information on the FEI’s Horse Health Requirements and Biosecurity protocols:

• Horse Health Requirements 2022
• Biosecurity and Movements

We would like to draw your attention to the approved modifications in the FEI Veterinary Regulations 2022 in regards to Horse Health Requirements and the use of the FEI HorseApp, which will be implemented globally from 1 January 2022.

The Horse Health Requirements (derived from the EHV-1 By-Laws applied in Europe from 31 May to 31 December 2021), have been put in place to: 
•    protect FEI horses and global equestrian sports from the consequences of infectious diseases being transmitted before, during and after FEI Events.
•    provide reassurance of the high health of equestrian sport horses to global, continental and national veterinary authorities and organisations; and
•    to maintain and further improve the conditions for international movement of sport horses.
In accordance with Art. 1029 and 1031 of the FEI 2022 Veterinary Regulations, as of 1 January 2022, ALL Horses competing at ALL FEI Events worldwide must fulfil the Horse Health Requirements via the FEI HorseApp.

The relevant requirements are controlled by FEI Veterinarians and FEI Officials at the Examination at Arrival and throughout FEI Events. FEI Veterinarians officiating at FEI Events will also need to perform the Examination at Arrival using the FEI HorseApp.

Sanctions for non-compliance are already in force for Horses competing at FEI Events in Mainland Europe, these will be introduced worldwide in due course.

Visit the dedicated hub detailing the new Horse Health Requirements starting from 1 January 2022 for more information.
 
For any questions regarding the Horse Health Requirements or the FEI HorseApp, please contact usersupport@fei.org 

The EHV-1 By-Laws, which have been in place since 31 May 2021, protect FEI horses and global equestrian sports from the transmission of infectious diseases before, during and after FEI Events.
In accordance with EHV-1 By-Law No.10, Athletes/Grooms must provide a signed Horse Health FEI Self-Certification form for all horses attending an FEI Event in mainland Europe, including mandatory temperature monitoring for the 10 days leading up to their arrival at an FEI Event.
As of 1 August 2021 this information must be submitted via the FEI HorseApp for all Events taking place in mainland Europe. This means for all Events starting in week 32 (09/08/2021 – 15/08/2021).
An updated version of the FEI HorseApp will allow Athletes, Grooms, Owners, Endurance Trainers and Athlete Managers to easily submit the required information via the mobile application. Paper copies will no longer be accepted.
General information regarding the FEI HorseApp can be found on Inside.FEI.org and guidelines on how to use the new functionalities can be found here.
Please find attached the communication that was sent to the relevant Stakeholders.
For any questions, please contact: usersupport@fei.org.

According to the FEI Board Resolution of 30 March 2021, the FEI issued the EHV-1 By-Laws (Return To Competition measures) to apply to all Events in Mainland Europe held under FEI jurisdiction from 12 April to 30 May 2021.

Based on the experience gained during this time, and following the assessment made together with the FEI Veterinary Epidemiology Working Group and in close cooperation with the relevant stakeholders (including but not only the Equestrian Organisers), the FEI Board has approved certain amendments and extensions to the EHV-1 By-Laws as defined below.

The EHV-1 By-Laws as detailed below will be applicable in Mainland Europe from 31 May 2021 – 31 December 2021. The measures will be included in the draft 2022 FEI Veterinary Regulations and, subject to approval at the FEI General Assembly, will be implemented globally from 1 January 2022.

1. Further to a declared outbreak of suspected or confirmed neurological EHV, increased jurisdiction for the FEI Secretary General to stop events and to request the Persons Responsible to register the GPS location of their horse(s) via the FEI HorseApp (***);

2. All Organising Committees (OCs) to submit the Biosecurity Plan to the Veterinary Delegate (VD) at least 10 days in advance of the opening of the stables (*);

3. Mandatory use of FEI HorseApp by the VD/VC or a veterinarian assigned by the VD/VC at Examination on Arrival with registration of horses’ rectal temperatures (**);

4. Mandatory checkout of horses by the OC using the FEI HorseApp (*);

5. Mandatory rectal temperature checks of all horses twice daily at events, with the readings posted on a chart outside each horse’s box (**);

6. Isolation of entire transport in cases of horses arriving with rectal temperature over 38.5C to the Examination on Arrival (**);

7. Isolation unit requirements (protocols, equipment) (**);

8. Cleaning and disinfection requirements including sealed boxes (**);

9. Mandatory isolation overflow (*);

10. Self-declaration by athlete including horse rectal temperatures for the 10 days before arrival to the event (from 1 August 2021 this must be recorded on the FEI HorseApp by the PR/Groom) (*);

11. For events with horses staying on the venue over consecutive weeks – onsite venue inspection by the FEI Veterinary Department or a veterinarian appointed by the FEI Veterinary Department at least once annually. FVD appointed by the FEI Veterinary Department (appoint FVDs from neighbouring countries when possible). Until 1 July 2021, the FEI Veterinary Department will accept the already appointed Veterinary Delegate for the role as Foreign Veterinary Delegate. (****);

12. At events with more than 400 horses onsite at any one time, additional VDs are required (1/400 horses) based on the maximum number of horses for all FEI Event categories as declared in the Event Schedule. (Changes will not be allowed after the deadline for amendments to the Event Schedule) (*);

13. There must be a sufficient number of Treating Vets appointed by the OC. (At least 1/200 horses) (****);

14. Before flights alternatively entering Pre-Export Quarantine going to FEI Events, each horse must present a negative PCR result for EHV 1 and 4, and for Equine Influenza sampled by a nasopharyngeal swab. The sample must be taken no more than 96h before the flight or entrance to the Pre-Export Quarantine (*);

15. The VD/VC must ensure that any horse displaying fever or neurological signs at an FEI Event is sampled using a nasopharyngeal swab and sent to a laboratory listed by the FEI. The FEI Veterinary Department will fund the analysis and costs for shipping and material for the index case. (****)

LEGEND:

* Prolongation of certain by-laws (some are amended);

** Clarification of existing VRs;

*** Already approved by the FEI Board;

**** New by-law.

All points listed above, except number 1, are to be considered Emergency Board Resolutions as per Article 20.3 of the FEI Statutes.

Please note that NFs have until 27 June 2021 to signify their disapproval of any of the above Emergency Board Resolutions by sending an email to Francisco P. Lima, Director Governance & Institutional Affairs.

Following the Return To Competition in mainland Europe on 12 April, we kindly request all concerned National Federations to make sure their athletes and stakeholders are up to date regarding the measures and requirements in place until 30 May 2021, and in particular with regards to:

• The list of Events with +400 horses requiring a negative PCR test for EHV-1 prior to arrival (updated as and when necessary).
• Requirements for Athletes prior to an Event (documents they need to fill in/take with them to Events).

You will find the above and all the relevant information on the EHV-1 hub in the dedicated Return To Competition section, including detailed instructions regarding pre-Event preparation, the FEI HorseApp, check out, as well as a factsheet for Athletes in seven languages and all the relevant forms, guidelines and checklists for the different stakeholder groups to meet the Return To Competition requirements in place.
For all the latest updates on EHV-1, click here.
Thank you for your support and collaboration.

According to the temporary provisions put in place for the return to competition in mainland Europe post-EHV-1, it is mandatory for the Athlete/groom to provide a signed FEI self-certification of health status for all horses being presented at the Examination on Arrival, including mandatory temperature monitoring charts for the 10 days leading up to the event. According to the temporary provisions put in place for the return to competition in mainland Europe post-EHV-1, it is mandatory for the Athlete/groom to provide a signed FEI self-certification of health status for all horses being presented at the Examination on Arrival, including mandatory temperature monitoring charts for the 10 days leading up to the event. Read more ...

Following the FEI Update Special EHV-1 Edition on 30 March announcing the Return To Competition measures/requirements to ensure the safe resumption of international sport in mainland Europe from 12 April, we would like to draw your attention to the latest information/news and resources available.
We urge all concerned stakeholders and concerned parties to share and familiarise themselves with all the information below and the requirements outlined on the EHV-1 hub in the dedicated Return To Competition section.

EHV Relief Fund
The EHV Relief Fund, created by Jumping athletes Emile Hendrix, Peter Charles and Frederick Goltz to provide financial support to Athletes and Owners facing financial hardship due to the costs of emergency veterinary treatment for their horses as a result of the EHV-1 outbreak in Europe, has already received support from the FEI, European Equestrian Federation, International Jumping Riders Club, Jumping Owners Club and Equestrian Organisers. In addition, Riders Help Riders, the fundraising campaign set up by German event organiser and sports marketer Axel Milkau, has joined forces with the Fund.
Guidelines outlining eligibility criteria for reimbursement from the EHV Relief Fund are now available here, together with the application form. Details of how to donate to the Fund are also available on the EHV Relief Fund page.

Return To Competition Factsheet for Athletes & Grooms
The FEI has created a Return to Competition Factsheet for Athletes and Grooms outlining all the key requirements that need to be met for Horses entered in competitions in mainland Europe from 12 April to 30 May 2021. This Factsheet is available in seven languages (see below) and can be found in the Return to Competition section of the EHV-1 hub: English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish.

Return To Competition – New FEI HorseApp Modules & Guidelines for Stakeholders
The FEI has added four new modules to the FEI HorseApp to monitor and facilitate key mandatory requirements in the Return to Competition Measures.
There are detailed guidelines and video tutorials for all the different stakeholder groups (Athletes, Organising Committees, Officials, Grooms, Owners, National Federations and Trainers) providing step-by-step instructions to use the new modules on the FEI HorseApp available here.
Note: For Grooms to use the FEI HorseApp, they must have an active FEI ID account. Grooms can register with the FEI here and guidelines are available here.

- PCR Tests
As stipulated in the Return To Competition Measures, for any Event/Show with more than 400 Horses of any category, it is mandatory to provide proof of a negative PCR test for EHV-1 taken no earlier than 120 hours prior to arrival at the event. Click here to see the list of Events.
A specific module has been added to the FEI HorseApp to allow an FEI registered user to upload a copy of the relevant negative PCR test to a Horse’s profile. Athletes, Grooms, Owners, National Federations and Trainers can connect to the FEI HorseApp using their FEI ID number and provide the relevant document by taking a photo with their smartphone or tablet and uploading it directly to the Horse’s FEI profile in a few simple clicks.
Click here for the full details and guidelines.

- Examination on Arrival (for FEI Veterinarians)
The FEI Veterinarian conducting the Examination on Arrival will need to scan the Horse’s microchip with a reader connected via Bluetooth to the FEI HorseApp, and also manually record the Horse’s temperature in the FEI HorseApp.
FEI Veterinarians assigned to upcoming FEI Events have been contacted and invited to follow online training sessions.
Click here for the full details and guidelines.

- Check-In
In accordance with Art. 3.3.1 of the and in line with traceability objectives, the FEI may request a Horse(s) to be “checked-in” to inform the FEI of its whereabouts.
Athletes, Grooms, Owners and Trainers can connect to the FEI HorseApp using their FEI ID number and check-in their Horse.
Click here for the full details and guidelines.

- Check Out
Under the new Return To Competition measures, it is compulsory for the Organising Committee to formally ‘check out’ a horse by scanning the horse’s microchip or passport using the FEI HorseApp prior to leaving the Event. This ensures traceability should a disease outbreak occur.
Click here for the full details and guidelines.

The FEI HorseApp, including the Return To Competition modules, is available for download on the Apple App Store for iOS devices and Google Play Store for Android devices.

The FEI Board has approved legally binding By-Laws for the Return To Competition measures published on 30 March 2021. These By-Laws, which are available in the Forms & Downloads of the Return To Competition section, formalise the temporary provisions in the measures that are not covered by either the FEI Veterinary Regulations or the FEI General Regulations.
The By-Laws, which come into force on 12 April 2021, will remain in effect until 30 May 2021, except where indicated otherwise. This period may be extended by the FEI based on an assessment of the EHV-1 situation.
The By-Laws are applicable in the following 37 countries in mainland Europe: Albania; Andorra; Austria; Belgium; Belarus; Bosnia & Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Croatia; Czech Republic; Denmark; Spain; Estonia; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Italy; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Moldova; Republic of North Macedonia; Monaco; Netherlands; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Romania; Slovenia; Serbia; Switzerland; Slovakia; Sweden; Ukraine and Turkey.
Please note that where there is a mandatory requirement for a negative PCR test for EHV-1 – that is events with more than 400 horses and overnight stabling, and for all horses prior to being transported by plane to an FEI event – there is a change to the timeline, as agreed by the FEI Veterinary Epidemiology Working Group. The original text, as published on 30 March, required that the sample must be taken no earlier than 96 hours before arrival at the event, but this has now been amended to 120 hours due to concerns about the turnaround time for getting test results back from laboratories.

EHV-1 Return To Competition Athlete Information Seminar
The FEI hosted an athlete information seminar this evening (9 April) for athletes entered in FEI events during the first two weeks following the return to competition on 12 April, and the 66 National Federations that those athletes represent. The athletes were asked to invite their grooms to attend. The FEI Athlete Representatives, plus the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) and the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) were also invited.
Events in four FEI disciplines – Jumping, Dressage, Eventing and Endurance – are scheduled for the period 12-25 April.
The session was led by FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez, with FEI Veterinary Director Göran Akerström presenting the Return To Competition measures specifically applicable to athletes and grooms, as well as the areas of responsibility for the Organisers, such as stabling, that are particularly relevant to athletes.
FEI Information & Sports Technology Director Gaspard Dufour presented the new features on the FEI HorseApp that will allow for greater traceability, and FEI Legal Director Mikael Rentsch was also on the panel to answer questions.
The full presentation from this evening’s session is now available in the Forms & Downloads of the Return To Competition section on the dedicated EHV-1 hub. The information will also be used to create a factsheet that will be published on 12 April in English, Dutch, French, Germany, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.
The FEI is also hosting a training session for Veterinarians and has initiated a series of meetings with Organisers to guide them through their obligations under the Return To Competition measures.

The entire showjumping community has been devastated by the current linked outbreaks in Spain of the neurological form of EHV-1 that has impacted horses in 10 countries in mainland Europe. Through the hard work and dedication of many in our community, progress is clearly being made towards bringing the immediate situation under control. However, many riders and owners are facing severe financial hardship due to the costs of emergency veterinary treatment for their horses during the crisis.

In order to provide support for those affected by these unforeseen and, in many cases, very substantial expenses, the EHV Relief Fund has been established. The brainchild of showjumping athletes Emile Hendrix, Peter Charles and Frederick Goltz, the Fund has the support of the FEI, European Equestrian Federation, International Jumping Riders Club, Jumping Owners Club and Equestrian Organisers. In addition, Riders Help Riders, the fundraising campaign set up by German event organiser and sports marketer Axel Milkau, has joined forces with the Fund. Collectively, this group have set themselves up as the Sponsors of the Fund.

The mandate of the Fund is to provide financial support to riders and owners for the legitimate veterinary expenses resulting directly from the EHV-1 outbreaks in Spain. All proceeds raised by the Fund will be applied to this mission. Any administrative or other costs of the Fund will be borne by the Sponsors. 

Guidelines for the submission of funding requests will be published in due course, but the basic principle will be to:

• compile all applicable expenses;
• raise as much money as possible;
• allocate funds raised to cover the greatest percentage of the applicable expenses possible.

The Sponsors have created an oversight committee to manage distribution of the funds based on this mandate. The Sponsors are committed to full transparency and the accounts of the Fund will be published when it is wound-up.

“Despite these desperately distressing times, it has been heartwarming to see in practice what we all know to be true: that in our sport, the welfare of the horse comes first, no matter the circumstance”, Frederick Goltz said. “As part of that special community ethos, we would hope that the broader showjumping community will help to bear some of the costs, particularly in an environment made all the more difficult by Covid-19.”

A total of €250,000 has already been pledged to the Fund, including monies committed by the Sponsors, other donors, and the very successful fundraising effort already undertaken by the Riders Help Riders team.

“Thank you to those who have already joined our effort and we very much hope that everyone in the showjumping community will consider helping as much as they are able”, Peter Charles said. 

Questions about the Fund can be addressed to EHVRelief@FEI.org

Donations can be paid directly to the dedicated bank account that has been set up through the FEI:

Banque Cantonale Vaudoise, Place St-François 14, 1003 Lausanne - Switzerland
Account holder: Federation Equestre Internationale, IBAN: CH72 0076 7000 E536 6418 5, Account: E 5366.41.85 EUR, BIC/Swift: BCVLCH2LXXX
Reference: EHV_relief_fund

Sponsors: Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI); European Equestrian Federation (EEF); International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC); Jumping Owners Club (JOC); Equestrian Organisers (EO); Riders Help Riders; Emile Hendrix; Peter Charles; Frederick Goltz.