Announcements
May 18, 2011 - Equine Herpesvirus Outbreak Traced to Horses that Attended National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championships
An outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) has been traced to horses that attended the National Cutting Horse Association’s (NCHA) Western National Championships in Odgen, UT on April 30 - May 8, 2011. Currently positive cases have been diagnosed and horses have been quarantined at Colorado State University, at UC-Davis, and at Washington State University. Additional states have possible cases pending.
No horses from New Jersey attended the event and there are no current suspect cases of EHV-1 within the state.
Equine Herpes Virus is a common virus in equine populations worldwide. There are several strains of the virus, with EHV-1 and EHV-4 being most often involved in clinical disease. EHV-1 can cause respiratory disease, abortion and neurologic disease. The neurologic disease is referred to as Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM.) Although EHV-1 is highly contagious among horses, it does not pose a threat to human health.
The EHV-1 virus spreads quickly from horse to horse, has a high morbidity and can cause a wide range of symptoms, from a complete lack of clinical signs to respiratory problems, especially in young horses, and spontaneous abortions in pregnant mares. The neurologic form of EHV-1, additionally, can cause an acute paralytic syndrome, which can be lethal. The incubation period of EHV-1 is typically 2 to 10 days. The virus spreads readily through direct contact with infected materials. The virus does not affect humans and other domestic animals, with the exception of llamas and alpacas.
Concerned owners should consult with their veterinarian prior to taking any action as the clinical signs of infection with the neurological form of EHV-1 are common to many other diseases. The neurologic form of EHV is a reportable disease in New Jersey. If an owner has a horse that is exhibiting neurologic signs or suspects Equine Herpes, they are directed to call their veterinarian immediately.
The NJDA Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory provides testing for the neurologic form of EHV-1. For more information, visit www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/prog/lab.html.
