Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 Update
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News Release: May 25, 2011
Please be aware that there have been no cases of this disease related to the outbreak east of the Mississippi, and no horses from Tennessee attended the Utah event where the outbreak began. At this time, there is no reason to believe that Tennessee horses are at any higher than normal risk for contracting this disease. We do not currently have plans to postpone or cancel any 4-H horse events. Concerned owners should discuss precautionary measures with their veterinarian.
EHV-1 Outbreak in Western States
As we approach horse show season, you may have learned of the recent neurologic equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) outbreak due to the recent cases associated with horses that attended the National Cutting Horse Associations Western National Championship in Ogden, Utah and a cutting horse show in California. The disease has spread into other states as exposed horses traveled home or to other shows. As more cases emerge veterinarians are determining the extent of the outbreak. At this time, there are no positive cases reported in Tennessee or the Southeast associated with this possible outbreak.
What is EHV-1?
Equine Herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is a virus that causes negative effects including respiratory disease, neurologic disease, abortion and stillbirth. The disease is transmitted by direct or indirect contact with infected horses. Clinical signs of the neurologic type include a high fever followed by several days of apparent recovery before the onset of neurologic signs. Not all horses will show respiratory signs (such as nasal discharge and coughing). The signs of the disease generally appear in 3 to 7 days after the horse is exposed and horses that are EHV-1 positive can remain infectious for up to 3 weeks.
What about our upcoming Tennessee 4-H Horse Shows?
We are closely monitoring the situation with EHV-1 cases being reported from in the Western States. Thus far, there is NO reason for alarm in Tennessee, but we are advising that horse owners make sure their horses are up to date on their vaccination program and contact their veterinarian if they have a horse that has come into contact with any horses that attended the UCHA Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah.