Press release from the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour 

The organizing committee of the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour in Oliva Nova, Spain, has cancelled the second part of its spring tour (Spring MET II, 7-26 February 2023) after four horses at the venue have returned positive tests for the Equine Herpes Virus EHV-1. The four horses that have returned positive tests are febrile but show no signs of neurological disease.

On Tuesday 21 February 2023, ten horses at the venue went into isolation in accordance with the FEI Veterinary Regulations after six of them were febrile. None of them showed any signs of neurological disease. All of the ten horses had been stabled in the same tent at the venue before they went into isolation. The same day, swab tests were taken from all ten horses. On Wednesday 22 February, four of the ten tests returned positive, four returned negative and two were inconclusive. The tests were analysed by VISAVET.UCM, Madrid. 

The Valencia Veterinary Department has decided that all 82 horses stabled in the same tent as those four that have returned positive tests, must remain on the venue for at least one week. It is required that all of these horses make a test on Thursday 23 February, followed by a second test seven days later. Horses that return negative tests will then be free to leave the venue. These horses will have to return to their home stables, and will be blocked in the FEI database according to FEI rules.

All other horses – that have not been stabled in the same tent as those returning positive tests – are free to leave the venue, as long as they during a pre-departure veterinary check-up show to be fever free and without any symptoms. Also these horses will have to return to their home stables, and will be blocked in the FEI database according to FEI rules.

A total of 989 horses have participated at the Spring MET II.

The organizing committee of the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour is working closely with the Valencia Veterinary Department as well as the FEI, and follows all protocols to protect the horses. 

For all participants at all competitions, please be reminded of the importance of the biosecurity requirements and best practices in the FEI Veterinary Regulations. Checking and recording temperatures twice daily is mandatory at FEI events.