Danish team horses fall ill at Nordic horse championships

Horses belonging to Denmark’s national Icelandic horse team fell ill at the recently concluded Nordic Championships for Icelandic horses in Sweden, mbl.is reports, citing Iceland’s Food and Veterinary Authority.

The event had strong infection-control measures in place, helping reduce the risk of disease spreading. Horses from each country were housed separately, and all their temperatures were measured twice a day. This allowed the illness to be detected early, and the infection appears to have remained within a limited group.

Samples were taken immediately to rule out serious infectious diseases, including EHV-1, EIV, or equine influenza, and anaplasmosis. Anaplasmosis is a bacterial disease transmitted by ticks and is among other things associated with a high fever.

The test results were negative for those diseases and for eCov, the so-called fever sickness that has been known in Iceland since 1998. The sampling also examined whether the illness could have had another cause, such as feed.

No further cases among horses have been reported since the championships ended. The authority said the risk had therefore probably passed in this instance.

According to the National Association of Equestrians, Iceland’s national team and everyone accompanying it were well aware of the situation at the event and of the infection-control measures to follow upon returning home.

The authority said the incident was an important reminder to all horse owners travelling abroad for work or competitions. Iceland’s horse population is isolated and has limited immunity to many infectious diseases found overseas. Horses also move frequently between regions and gather in large numbers at stables, competitions, round-ups, stallion enclosures and riding tours.

Previous outbreaks have shown that infections can spread quickly in Iceland and may be difficult to contain once they enter the country. Strict rules are in place to prevent animal diseases, particularly among horses. Importing horses, riding equipment and riding gloves is completely prohibited, although other riding clothing may be brought home.

The Food and Veterinary Authority urged horse owners to familiarise themselves with its guidelines and to inform foreign visitors and travellers under their responsibility. It said the livelihoods of many people, as well as the lives, health and welfare of Iceland’s horses, were at stake.