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Rare Horse Flu Strikes New Forest; 10 Deaths Reported
2 Jul
Summary
- A rare equine flu outbreak has caused 10 pony deaths in the New Forest.
- Vaccination is now mandatory for all horses attending the New Forest Show.
- Concerns rise over Dartmoor pony cull and its impact on endangered breeds.
A severe outbreak of equine flu, a highly contagious respiratory virus, has led to 10 reported deaths among New Forest ponies, marking the first such incident in three decades. The virus has been detected in Brockenhurst and Burley areas, causing symptoms like heavy nasal discharge and a dry cough. Veterinary advice suggests leaving affected ponies undisturbed to prevent further stress and spread. Visitors are urged to maintain distance and avoid communal water troughs.
Preventative measures are underway for the New Forest and Hampshire County Show, scheduled from July 28 to 30. Organizers now require all participating horses, ponies, and donkeys to be vaccinated against equine flu, with recent vaccinations (within six months) and specific vaccination timelines enforced. Health declarations and passport checks will be conducted upon arrival.
Separately, a proposed pony cull on Dartmoor, intended to reduce livestock grazing, has sparked alarm among conservationists. This initiative could potentially lead to the extermination of up to 93% of the area's 1,000 endangered hill ponies. Farmers and advocates fear this 'destocking' will decimate the breed, which is uniquely adapted to the moorland and was added to the Rare Breed Survival Trust watchlist in 2023.
