I am getting messages from just about every horse organization about this outbreak and people are very concerned at how quickly it is spreading. Here’s a good summary from ProRodeo.com
The PRCA is closely monitoring the issues surrounding the outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) that has spread through the Western United States. At this time we do not have any confirmation of any States that have restricted the transportation of horses, nor have any PRCA rodeos been cancelled at this time due to this outbreak. We will continue to monitor the situation and share information via www.prorodeo.com, social media as well as these updates. Please contact Cindy Schonholtz at (719) 440-7255 or animalwelfare@prorodeo.com with any questions or concerns.
Information about the Outbreak: You can read all of the details below but basically 2 horses in Colorado tested positive for the virus after attending the National Cutting Horse Association event in Ogden, Utah from April 30 to May 8. Since the diagnosis of the CO horses, horses in several other states including Idaho, California and Washington were diagnosed – they also were at the Utah show. Horses at a cutting horse show in Kern County, CA came down with the virus at the show. One of those horses and horses in several other states have been euthanized due to the disease.
Information on the disease: The EHV-1 organism spreads quickly from horse to horse and the neurologic form of the virus can reach high morbidity and mortality rates. The incubation period of EHV-1 is typically 2-10 days. Prognosis depends on severity of signs and the period of recumbency. There is no specific treatment for EHV-1. Treatment may include intravenous fluids, anti-inflammatory drugs and other appropriate supportive treatment. Currently, there is no equine vaccine that has a label claim for protection against the neurological strain of the virus.
Advice for Horse Owners: All horse owners who attended the Ogden, UT, event should notify their veterinarian and isolate and monitor their horses for clinical signs of the disease. Some horses may not show signs of the disease but may still be a carrier. Those owners are also encouraged to restrict movement of their horses and take the horses temperature 2 times daily, even if they show no other symptoms if the temperature is elevated contact your veterinarian immediately.
Every horse owner should educate themselves on the symptoms and if their horse show any symptoms, ISOLATE, DO NOT MOVE THEM and CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY.
SYMPTOMS INCLUDE :
Fever preceding neurologic signs (either in a horse diagnosed with EHM or in horses that have been exposed to a horse diagnosed with EHM)
Decreased coordination
Urine dribbling
Loss of tail tone
Hind limb weakness
Leaning against a wall or fence to maintain balance
Lethargy
Inability to rise
RESOURCES
Full brochure on the disease from the USDA
Practice good bio security at your horse facility: USDA information on the subject
Before transporting horses interstate, contact the State Veterinarian in the state you are traveling to insure there are no travel restrictions. Directory of State Veterinarians
NEWS
Multiple States Affected in EHV-1 Outbreak The Horse Magazine
Virus found in Idaho Horses The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is investigating what it’s calling “a suspected outbreak” of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) within the state.
Nebraska Vet quarantines five farms over potential contact with Virus in Utah LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska’s state veterinarian has placed five horse farms under quarantine because of potential contact with a contagious horse virus during a championship event in Utah.
CSU protecting horses during EHV-1 outbreak Concerns over a growing outbreak of equine herpesvirus has prompted CSU to cancel all non-emergency appointments for horses and camelids at its world-renowned veterinary teaching hospital in Fort Collins, and to block any horses from entering or leaving its equine science center.
As a precautionary measure, the board of directors of the Breeders Invitational has canceled the cutting event scheduled for May 14-28 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. NCHA canceled the Mercuria-NCHA World Series of Cutting that was scheduled in conjunction with the Breeders Invitational.
Concerns over the recent EHV-1 outbreak have prompted the Utah Quarter Horse Racing Association to postpone the races scheduled for this Saturday, May 21, at Laurel Brown Racetrack.
From the National Cutting Horse Association: As of 5 p.m. (Central Time) on Tuesday May 17, all NCHA-approved shows for the weekend of May 20-22 have been cancelled by the respective affiliates or show producers putting on those events. The NCHA appreciates this proactive move by show producers in a nationwide show of precaution and solidarity to help stop the spread of the contagious and potentially deadly EHV-1 virus among horses. The Texas Quarter Horse Association has also cancelled the cutting classes that had been scheduled within the Texas Classic Horse Show scheduled for May 24 – 25, 2011.
The 2011 APHC Arizona Summer Celebration Show, scheduled to be held May 21-22, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona has been cancelled.
The Western Regional Zone 2 Show and Utah Paint Horse Club Paint-O-Rama, scheduled for May 26-30 in South Jordan, Utah has been cancelled.
The 2011 Texas Classic has cancelled the Working Western Series NCHA/AQHA cutting classes, May 24-25, ONLY, all other events will continue as scheduled.
The Northern Colorado Quarter Horse Association has cancelled the Mile High Classic, May 19-22 at the National Western Complex. Show manager, Arlene Amundson has relayed that they are in the process of trying to reschedule the show with AQHA. The new dates will be announced when final approval is granted.
Also, the Utah Quarter Horse Association No Bling/All Novice Show at the Golden Spike Event Center in Ogden, Utah, May 14-15 was cancelled.
Per confirmation from show manager, Kevin Lynch, the NRCHA approved Twisted Wire Reined Cowhorse Derby scheduled for May 20-22 at the King Arena in Great Falls, Montana, has been cancelled due to recent concerns from EHV-1.
A two-day jumping clinic with grand prix show jumper, Greg Best, May 17-18, at the B.W. Pickett Equine Center in Colorado has been cancelled. A two-day reining clinic with World Champion Todd Crawford, scheduled for May 21-22 at the Equine Center has also been cancelled.
The Jordan Valley Rodeo Board has postponed the “big loop” rodeo.