The FEI has tonight released an update on the EHV-1 (neurological form) outbreak and the Spanish Sunshine Tour.

The update reads as follows:

The FEI has today been informed that a second horse at the Spanish Sunshine Tour venue in Vejer de la Frontera (ESP) has been put into isolation after developing mild neurological signs and a slightly elevated temperature.

As this is the second horse showing neurological signs of EHV-1 in Vejer, even though both horses are in the isolation stables two kilometres from the venue, the FEI has tonight advised the Organisers that the event is cancelled with immediate effect.

Following a full risk analysis conducted by the Spanish Ministry (MAPA), the Organisers and the FEI on Wednesday, 4 March 2021, all parties had agreed that – exceptionally and in order to ensure an orderly and biosecure departure of horses – competition could continue until Sunday 7 March subject to a number of conditions. However, the FEI reserved the right to cancel the full event if the situation changed.

The news of a second horse displaying neurological signs means that there is no choice now but to immediately shut down the competition in Vejer de la Frontera.

The Spanish Veterinary Authorities will be onsite to prepare health certificates for departing horses.

All the latest figures, information and news around the current EHV-1 outbreak in Europe are available here.