EHV outbreaks at equine competitions have caused widespread disease and facility shutdowns, highlighting the need for robust biosecurity protocols at events.
The Valencia 2021 EHV outbreak demonstrated the catastrophic welfare consequences of inadequate biosecurity at large equine events. Horses from across Europe were infected, developed neurological disease, and many required euthanasia. The rapid spread reflected close contact between horses from different herds in competition stabling. Robust event biosecurity — mandatory health declarations, temperature surveillance, isolation of febrile horses, and hygiene protocols — prevents outbreaks and the severe suffering they cause. Individual horse owners and event organisers share responsibility for implementing these measures.