Horses in a paddock.

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THOMAS SAMSON / POOL / AFP

An epidemic hits the equine world with full force this winter.

This is equine rhinopneumonia, which can seriously affect horses.

The equine pathology epidemiological surveillance network (Respe) recommends that the sector take preventive health measures.

Highly contagious, myeloencephalitis - EHV1 (rhinopneumonia), the first case of which was detected in Valencia, Spain at the end of February, causes high fevers and neurological symptoms.

In France, several outbreaks have been confirmed in stables of horses returning from Valence, in the departments of Calvados, Haute-Savoie, Hérault and Seine-et-Marne.

Suspended competitions

Others are being investigated in other departments, indicates the Respe in a press release specifying that "equines mainly show respiratory symptoms, or only hyperthermia".

"Some animals have developed neurological signs, but no death has been reported for the time being on the territory", specifies the health monitoring network.

The horse world, which is already suffering the full brunt of the Covid-19 health crisis, "must now face this epidemic which has just brutally struck certain French and foreign horses competing in Europe", is alarmed by the French Federation of riding (FFE) in a statement.

To curb the epidemic, the FFE, together with the Société Hippique Française and the International Equestrian Federation, suspended all competitions as well as courses and gatherings of equines placed under their auspices, until March 28 inclusive.

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