Equine Coronavirus (ECoV) is a recently identified contagious disease that generates a high level of concern and much communication within the equestrian community. Horses that are competing may encounter EcoV at a show or other event. EcoV is known to be transmitted by a fecal- oral route (transmission through the manure of a horse that is shedding the virus).
Good biosecurity should be practiced at all horse gatherings/ competitions which will decrease exposure to the virus. See EDCC guidelines for more information.
During the late summer of 2018, several horses were affected by ECoV at a horse show. Most of the affected horses had the typical mild-to-moderate, self-limiting gastrointestinal disease but a small number of horses was more severely affected. EcoV is diagnosed sporadically throughout the year, but is more common in the cooler months.
Information about how long ECoV can survive in the environment is limited. Survival of virus in the environment depends on many factors, including presence of a porous surface, humidity, and number of viral particles present, so it is difficult to predict. General recommendations for showgrounds facilities to minimize the risk of ECoV (and other contagious disease) include the following:
As a responsible equestrian planning to attend a horse show you should take basic biosecurity measures including: