There is no longer any doubt: the epidemic of rhinopneumonia, this potentially fatal and extremely contagious viral disease, which, for several weeks, has been affecting French competition horses, 11 of which have already died, originated in Sarthe. According to specialists and numerous testimonies on social networks, she declared herself during the Pony Ace and Super Ace Tournament, organized in Yvré-l'Évêque, from November 1 to 3. A test which brought together 1,600 animals.
“It is difficult to identify the zero case,” assures Doctor Christel Marcillaud-Pitel, director of the Equine Pathology Epidemiological Surveillance Network (Respe). But from Sarthe, the virus spread. The investigation located outbreaks in four regions including Île-de-France, where deaths were counted. »
Respe “strongly urges the cancellation or postponement of all competitions and gatherings until December 8 inclusive”. “As the incubation period is 15 days, we will advise,” says Christel Marcillaud-Pitel.
A protocol has been developed for the Paris Horse Show, which, from December 6 to 8, will welcome 2,000 horses: elimination of the competition, “no mixing of horses”. “To date,” notes Christel Marcillaud-Pitel, “horse racing and breeding are not affected. Otherwise, it would be a disaster. »
The preventive measures are simple: vaccination (40 euros per head) and systematic disinfection of sites. “If this were done regularly,” insists the practitioner, “we could control the situation throughout the year. »
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