Coolmore help Ireland to secure 10,000 vaccine doses against equine herpes virus

A total of 10,000 vaccine doses to protect horses against the potentially fatal equine herpes virus (EHV) have been secured for Ireland, with the first portion of the shipment arriving on Friday.

The order of the vaccine follows a recent outbreak of EHV at a high-profile showjumping event in Valencia, Spain.

There is concern that Irish horses competing on the continent could potentially bring the virus into the country. The virus can spread quickly and is hard to cure, but vaccination can provide significant protection. There is no risk from virus transmission to humans.

The shipment was organised from US suppliers by Coolmore and the O’Byrne & Halley Veterinary Practice, with the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, who have moved rapidly to provide the AR 16 licence, required to import veterinary medicines in exceptional circumstances.

The vaccine will be made available at cost to both the thoroughbred and Sport Horse industries.

Charlie McConalogue T.D., minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, said: “With this dangerous virus present in Europe we have moved quickly to support efforts to secure the necessary vaccine to protect our equine industry.

"The department’s veterinary experts are monitoring the situation closely, and we are urging all owners to avail of these vaccines for their horses and furthermore to take extra precautions to minimise the risk of transmission.”

Shane O’Dwyer, CEO of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association, added: “The outbreak of this potentially fatal virus is causing serious concern to thoroughbred breeders, who fear it could spread into Ireland.

"It is fantastic news that the team at Coolmore and O’Byrne & Halley have been able to source the vaccine in substantial quantities, and that the Department of Agriculture has moved with commendable swiftness to grant the necessary approvals."

EHV vaccinations, which can be administered only by registered veterinarians, will be available for supply to veterinary practices through emailing sales@viltd.ie with EHV in the subject line.

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