A growing outbreak of equine influenza in the New Forest has resulted in the cancellation of several local events and disruptions to riding activities. The virus, which continues to spread across the national park, has prompted warnings from the Verderers, who manage the common land and its livestock, urging the public to maintain distance from the free-roaming ponies.
The Breamore Show, an annual horse event, was previously cancelled on 28 June due to the escalating situation. Similarly, Burley Villa Riding School has announced a temporary halt to its forest hacks, citing the rapid spread of the virus. Instructor Tammy Greaves confirmed the decision, prioritising the welfare of their horses, though riding lessons at the school will continue with enhanced hygiene measures.
New cases of horse flu have been identified in Brockenhurst and Burley, extending the geographical reach of the outbreak from earlier detections in Wood Green and Stoney Cross. The Verderers have advised that affected ponies may exhibit symptoms such as heavy nasal discharge and a dry cough, and they are working closely with veterinarians and Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) to monitor the situation and conduct tests.
Despite the localised cancellations, the New Forest and Hampshire County Show, scheduled for 28 to 30 July, is expected to proceed. However, organisers have implemented stringent measures, requiring all participating horses, ponies, and donkeys to have received a minimum of two equine influenza vaccinations at least seven days before attending. Animal records will be checked, and microchips scanned upon arrival to ensure compliance.
The Verderers have also announced the postponement of the scheduled August drifts, which are traditional round-ups of ponies for health checks. Drifts planned for September and beyond will be subject to ongoing review based on the infection's status. The organisation highlighted that there have been a small number of casualties from the virus and cautioned that the virus can survive on clothing and footwear for up to 48 hours, meaning walkers could inadvertently contribute to its spread.
Nationally, the Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance group, based at Cambridge Vet School, reported a significant increase in equine influenza outbreaks. Between 1 April and 2 July this year, there have been 126 laboratory-confirmed outbreaks across the UK, a sharp rise compared to just four cases recorded nationwide in the whole of 2025.