The thoroughbred industry faced a difficult breeding season in Ireland due to the lack of an EVA vaccine. We are delighted to see the increase in compliance with the codes of practice which demonstrated the industry pulling together to ensure increased surveillance. However, we could caution that this increase in protection seen still only extends to a percentage of the entire horse population in Ireland – so whilst this is a big improvement it is still not enough. There is much to do against a background of waning immunity in our elite stallion herd in Ireland and across the whole of Europe. There is an education gap amongst some breeders, particularly those not breeding thoroughbreds, and it is the IECs aim to help and support all equine breeders. We must all remain vigilant and be well prepared ahead of the 2025 breeding season.