A horse infected with the EHV-1 virus, commonly known as 'abortvirus,' participated in equestrian competitions in Halland, Sweden, potentially exposing hundreds of other horses to infection risk. According to reports from Expressen Sport and Göteborgs-Posten, the horse competed in events in Kungsbacka on March 6-8 and in Laholm on March 8, 2026.
The Statens veterinärmedicinska anstalt (SVA) has issued recommendations for a 21-day quarantine period for all horses that participated in these competitions. Gittan Gröndahl, a state veterinarian at SVA, stated that if all horses from the competitions are isolated for 21 days, the spread of infection could be halted. The agency also recommends that horses take their temperature twice daily during this observation period.
if all horses from the competitions are properly isolated for the recommended period, there are good prospects for stopping the spread of infection
The Swedish Equestrian Federation (Svenska ridsportsförbundet) has informed participants about the situation, and several competition organizers have canceled upcoming events as a precaution. Affected competitions include the Folksam Elitallsvenska and Ridsportallsvenskan events at Grevagården and Flyinge.
EHV-1 virus can cause fever, respiratory symptoms, neurological symptoms, and abortion in pregnant mares, which is why it's often referred to as 'abortvirus.' The Swedish Equestrian Federation's veterinarian, Mia Svensson, emphasized that the organization is providing information and advice to prevent an outbreak.