Equine herpes unsettles equestrian businesses in NRW

The fear of equine herpes is increasing again: several competitions in North Rhine-Westphalia and other federal states have been canceled due to confirmed or possible outbreaks. The equestrian couple Felix and Lena Haßmann from Lienen are also reacting with restraint - they are currently deliberately refraining from competing so as not to expose their horses to any risk. The German Equestrian Federation (FN) is focusing on personal responsibility and urgently recommends vaccinations and regular temperature checks. Veterinarian Enrica Zumnorde-Mertens points out that herpes viruses lie dormant in up to 100 percent of all horses and can be reactivated at any time. There is no obligation to report it. The Haßmanns take the temperature daily and are not taking in any new horses for the time being - knowing full well that, despite all caution, there is no such thing as complete safety.