Equine flu has reached the New Forest’s semi-feral pony population for the first time in 30 years, with the highly contagious virus now spreading through the free-roaming herd and reports suggesting as many as 10 ponies may have died.
Cases have been confirmed in the Brockenhurst and Burley areas of the forest, and with around 5,500 semi-feral ponies roaming the common, vaccination is not a practical option.
Andrew Parry Norton, of the Commoners Defence Association, said the outbreak would have to be allowed to “run its course”.
“It has to be nature led — let it run through the herd and immunity will gradually rebuild,” he said.
He also warned members of the public that they may encounter ponies showing signs of illness, including coughing and heavy nasal discharge, and urged anyone concerned about an animal’s welfare to report it to the Verderers’ office.
A spokesperson for the Verderers of the New Forest confirmed the disease continues to spread through the herd.
“Equine flu continues to spread through the New Forest herd and cases have now been seen in ponies in the Brockenhurst and Burley areas. You should expect to see ponies with a heavy nasal discharge and a dry cough,” they said.
“The Verderers are following veterinary advice, which is to leave the affected ponies where they are to avoid causing them unnecessary distress and potentially spreading the virus further.”
Give ponies a wide berth
Although equine influenza is primarily spread through the air, the spokesperson warned it can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals.
“The advice to horse riders and walkers is to give the ponies as wide a berth as is possible and not to allow ridden horses to drink from communal water troughs,” they added.
The outbreak comes as equine influenza continues to affect horses across the UK. So far this year, 135 cases have been recorded, including more than 40 during June alone.
Local horse owners are being urged to ensure their horses’ vaccinations are up to date and to avoid any contact with the New Forest ponies while the outbreak continues.
Events affected
The heightened biosecurity measures are also extending to major equestrian events. Organisers of the New Forest and Hampshire County Show, which takes place from 28–30 July, will check the passports of every horse, pony and donkey entering the showground, with any equids that do not meet the vaccination requirements refused entry.
Similar vaccination checks have also been introduced at other major agricultural shows, including Royal Cornwall, Royal Bath & West and the Great Yorkshire Show, as well as at fixtures run by British Dressage, British Eventing and British Showjumping.
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