A highly contagious virus known as "horse parakoppevirus" has been detected in horses in Sweden for the first time, raising concerns for horse owners in Norway. The disease is classified as a zoonosis, meaning it can transfer from animals to humans. Although the probability of the virus spreading to Norway is considered low, officials from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) are advising caution and urging horse owners to remain vigilant.

Fredrik Wittenburg Andersen, head of animal health at Mattilsynet, indicated that the virus could survive for extended periods in the environment and on equipment, increasing the risk of indirect transmission. As a precautionary measure, infected animals should be isolated and not participate in competitions or events where horses from different stables gather. This recommendation aims to curb potential outbreaks and maintain the health of both horses and humans.

The horse parakoppevirus is not new, having been first observed in the United States in 2015, where two individuals working with horses contracted the disease. In Finland, the virus was also recorded in 2021, leading to outbreaks in multiple stables. This recent detection in Sweden adds urgency to preventative measures in Norway to protect both horse populations and public health.