The Swedish National Veterinary Institute (SVA) reports that no additional cases of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) have been detected following competitions in Kungsbacka and Laholm earlier this month. According to SVA, several riding clubs closed their facilities after a horse infected with EHV-1 attended competitions at Kungsbacka Ridklubb from March 6-8 and at Laholms Ryttarförening on March 8.
State veterinarian Gittan Gröndahl at SVA stated that 'for each day that passes, the risk decreases,' but riders are still advised to remain vigilant. The Swedish Equestrian Federation recommends that horses that attended the same competition venues as the infected horse, or that may have otherwise been exposed to the virus, should be isolated for 21 days from the horse's last competition day.
for each day that passes, the risk decreases
Despite these precautions, the federation reports there is no need to continue canceling competitions or isolating additional horses. EHV-1, also known as 'abortion virus,' occurs among horses worldwide and can cause fever, respiratory symptoms, abortion in pregnant mares, and in some cases neurological symptoms with paralysis. The disease is reportable under Swedish law.