The Helsinki International Horse Show, set to begin on Wednesday, is taking extraordinary precautions in response to the recent discovery of severe outbreaks of the horse herpes virus EHV-1 in Finland. The event, which attracts international participants, already had strict biosecurity protocols in place, but additional measures are being introduced to ensure the safety of all horses involved. According to Kati Niinistö, the event's veterinary officer, international competition horses have been separated from local horses and placed in different stables to minimize the risk of virus transmission.

As part of the safety measures, horses residing in Finland that will enter the competition stables are required to undergo testing for the virus, with negative results obtained within the prior two days. Furthermore, heightened monitoring will include systematic temperature checks for the horses, and there will be close observation of their general condition during the event. The virus, known as EHV-1, poses severe health risks to horses and has led to euthanasia in several cases in Finland.

While the virus does not pose a direct danger to humans, it can be transmitted by people from one horse to another via contact with their skin, clothing, or equipment. The health and safety of the horses are paramount during this major event, and the measures in place reflect the importance of preventing any further outbreaks, ensuring the welfare of both equine participants and the integrity of the competition.