Equine Viral Arteritis outbreak in France

The FEI hereby confirms that the Driving event scheduled in Les Haras du Pin in France on 11 July has been cancelled due to an outbreak of Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) in the area. EVA is a viral disease, which is mostly spread by breeding activities (by a stallion spreading the virus through the semen), but can also infect susceptible horses via the respiratory route. The disease is characterized by fever, oedema and by abortion in pregnant mares. Movement restrictions in the departments of Eure and Orne have been effectuated. Horses in the centre at Val de Reuil, where the infection surfaced, have been isolated. Further investigations are ongoing. Horse owners planning to travel in the areas involved should update themselves on any movement restrictions in place.