Brussels, 13/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - Confident in the veterinary supervision by the competent authorities and the organising body, Federation Equestre International, the European Commission has decided to authorise the temporary admission of registered horses for the Pre-Olympic Test Events in Athens in August 2003 (to prepare for the 2004 Athens Olympics). In particular, testing for equine viral arteritis (EVA, a transmissible virus disease spread predominantly through semen and causing flu like symptoms and miscarriages in pregnant mares) will not be required for stallions participating in the Events, provided they are not used for breeding during their stay and leave the EU after the competitions have finished.