The FEI was today notified that the four horses that have been in isolation in Doha, Qatar, after travelling to compete in the Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League, have returned safely to Europe. 

Prior to flying to Qatar, the group of four horses had competed in Valencia, Spain, where the EHV-1 outbreak originated. After arrival, one of the horses tested positive to EHV-1 and also showed clinical signs. The horse was then transferred to the isolation unit of the neighbouring veterinary clinic, together with a second horse that returned an inconclusive result and required retesting.

On the 6th of March, the Veterinary Authority of Qatar confirmed that the four in-contact horses that had been in Valencia would not be flying home to Europe with the other horses but would remain in isolation until at least 15th of March. The four horses have now been transported home on separate flights than the other horses that competed at the venue. 

In today's update, the FEI also informed that, currently, a total of 41 horses remain in Valencia, 34 of which are onsite at the venue and seven at a nearby private stable. 

Very sadly, the FEI also received information from the German National Federation about further three mares that had aborted foals at the same stables where two adult horses and one neonatal foal had already died and five mares previously had aborted. These abortions and deaths are related to the EHV-1outbreak in Valencia.