New Forest Drifts postponed after equine flu outbreak

The Verderers of the New Forest have announced the start of the Drift season has been postponed due to the ongoing outbreak of equine flu.

As a result, no Drifts will take place during August. The decision has been taken to help reduce the risk of further spreading the virus while efforts continue to manage the outbreak.

The Verderers added in a statement: ‘Drifts in September and onwards will be subject to ongoing review depending on the status of the infection.‘

Further updates on the 2026 Drift programme will be shared as soon as more information becomes available.

Members of the public can play an important role in helping to reduce the spread of disease. If visiting the New Forest:

• Keep your distance from all livestock, including ponies, donkeys and cattle
• Do not touch, pet or feed the animals
• If you own or work with horses elsewhere, avoid unnecessary contact with New Forest ponies and ensure good biosecurity measures are followed

The Verderers confirmed earlier this week they are following expert advice in light of the outbreak.

‘You should expect to see ponies with heavy nasal discharge and a dry, harsh cough,’ they said.

‘The Verderers are following veterinary advice which is to leave the affected ponies where they are to avoid causing them unnecessary stress and potentially spreading the virus further.

‘Although mostly airborne the virus can be spread by contact with an affected animal.

‘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.’