This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Nervous System » Incoordination, Weakness, Spasticity, Tremors » EHV-1 (Equine Herpes) Myeloencephalopathy »
  Discussion on Outbreak in CO
Author Message
Member:
theresab

Posted on Monday, May 16, 2011 - 4:24 pm:

I came across this information today and thought I would share it. From the AQHA website:

Equine Herpesvirus
AQHA update on EHV-1 outbreak
The American Quarter Horse Journal
May 16, 2011


The National Cutting Horse Association reports that the Colorado and Utah state veterinarians have confirmed two cases of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) in Colorado.

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.

NCHA Executive Director Jeff Hooper requests that owners and trainers report any horses that show neurological symptoms of EHV-1, which are fever, lack of coordination in the hind limbs and dribbling of urine.

“We are monitoring the situation and coordinating with USDA, the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Horse Council,” said Ward Stutz, senior director of breed integrity for the American Quarter Horse Association. “While we hope this outbreak does not necessitate the closing of state borders or the cancellation of shows during the most busy time of the year, our primary concern is the health and welfare of the horse. Owners should contact their equine veterinarian immediately if a horse shows any symptoms.

“Practicing good biosecurity and health measures is the best way to prevent the spread of the disease,” Stutz added. “Owners should familiarize themselves with the information provided below about EHV-1 and the best management practices to stop the spread of the disease.”


Both the EHV-1-affected horses competed at the NCHA Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah, from April 29 through May 8, 2011.

The virus is contagious to horses but can’t be transmitted to humans. Read more about quarantine practices to protect your herd.

The equine disease is not transmittable to humans. The virus’ most common strains cause abortion, respiratory disease and neurologic disease. Clinical signs include a fever typically within four-six days of exposure.

Please go to the following links for further information, especially if you had horses at that competition:


https://www.aqha.com/en/News/News-Articles/051411-CO-Equine-Herpesvirus-Cases.asp x
Member:
juliem

Posted on Monday, May 16, 2011 - 9:50 pm:

One of the horses in Idaho came home from that show, became symptomatic and was put down last week. My two year old filly is at that same ranch with another trainer. Send positive thoughts for Tess! The horse community here is trying to bepro-active and get out in front of this by voluntary quarantine, etc. We've had two or three deaths so far. Apparantly it started in New Jersey. If they'd been pro active, we'd all be safe now. As it is, this could be devastating to the horse community if not taken seriously. If everyone will just hunker down and keep horses home, none in or out, postpone farrier, etc., it could end up just an inconvenience.
I'd like to hear your comments Dr. O. My filly wasn't stalled in the same barn, but is on the same property, uses the same arena, etc.
Member:
hpyhaulr

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 10:45 am:

It was the last EHV-1 outbreak which brought me to HA several years ago. USDA was not prepared, had a leaderhip failure and someone told me that was NOT the case on HA. I could get strong guidelines for safe travel. Given what we do, we have a major responsibility NOT to be part of the problem
Walt is on his way to Colorado and Arizona now with a full load. If we'd known then what we know now...we probably would have left them where they were and let this run its course. Colorado usda told me yesterday that several states are shut down and the rest are tracking the movement of all horses in transit now. I have to get permit #s from several states now. It will be interesting to see how that # grows this week. I am betting he will have to dead head back to the east coast. The race tracks are going to shut travel down today (or so I was told this morning). According to this source in Co/USDA, the problem came into that cutting show from CANADA! There are now confirmed deaths in Canada, Idaho, Ca, Az,Co,Utah. Travel is the enemy here and the virus is supposedly vaccine resistant. Close down your barn from outsiders, use disinfectant on all variables, money,soda cans, water bottles, truck steering wheels,truck handle, feed/water buckets, hay nets... the list is seriously mindboggling. Walt has back to back cross country runs before he can come home. By the time he gets here, I will probably have a haz mat team to disinfect him, and his rig in a fire flash. We already vaccinate for everything under the sun because of all he can be exposed to and bring home. That may not be enough....
Member:
juliem

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 12:17 pm:

Wow Cyndy, you and Walt are really impacted by this is so many ways. I'm going to check on my mare today. A friend has given me disposable coveralls. At least the trainers will get a laugh out of that!
I'd like to hear Dr. O's thoughts on how transmissable this is and the rate of infection--what percentage of horses exposed come down with symptoms??
Member:
vickiann

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 4:45 pm:

Thanks to all of you for posting this information. Important to be aware of this.
Member:
juliem

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 5:11 pm:

I talked to my trainer today and it turns out my filly was definitely exposed. The trainer was helping with the sick mare trying to get her up, etc. before they knew what they were dealing with. He went directly from the affected mare (later put down) to my filly, did some ground work, saddled her and put the first ride on her. I of course am really concerned. Her temp this afternoon was 100.8. Dr O.????
Member:
mrose

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 6:29 pm:

Normally I wouldn't be concerned about her temp. With what's going on now, like you I'd be on pins and needles. Hope she's ok.
Member:
lsweeney

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 7:03 pm:

I had posted the updates that we had received in our area (No. California) Here:

https://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/4/296206.html
Member:
hpyhaulr

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 7:33 pm:

checked in again with Colorado USDA to register our delivery for tonight. It is now confirmed in 9 states including Washington state, NY/NJ/Ca/Co/Az/Utah/Idaho. I forget the 9th state. Can anyone figure out why the sheriff did not close the gates at the reigning show when the case was confirmed? This could have been fairly well contained at that point. I went through nearly 20 facilities to find a horse hotel tonight which has not had any other guests in the past 5 days. Several hung up on me! I felt like we had 'Leper' painted on the truck. Julie, temp we were told to worry about is 102. Praying you never see that! You have our prayers. So sorry you have this worry on you now. Hoping for the best.
Member:
theresab

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 7:41 pm:

My vet came out today to do yearly vaccinations and informed me about a few rabies cases in horses in the area recently. I'm assuming they are running confirmation tests but now I'm worried because of the symptoms that the initial diagnosis is incorrect. I guess time will tell but in the mean time I'm not taking any risks. Our summer riding lessons will be postponed until this outbreak is better understood. The vet said he hadn't seen cases of EVH-1 yet but he was aware of it. Horses have been vaccinated for rabies to be safe.

My prayers are with you Julie, I hope everything turns out for the best.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 8:27 pm:

Hello Julie,
The article associated with this discussion area has fairly complete coverage of the disease including transmission. I would advise that for the most complete information you follow the link in the article to the respiratory form as much of that information applies to all forms of herpes virus infections. Is there some other aspect of the disease you wanted to ask about specifically?
DrO
Member:
juliem

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 8:51 pm:

Specifically, since we know my filly had indirect contact (horse to trainer to my horse) should I consider starting a course of anti-viral drugs and/or boosting her vaccinations. She had 5 way in early Spring. They are taking precautions at the facility she's at now, but of course didn't know what they were dealing with at the time mine was exposed. She's one of the ones they consider at the highest risk.
Member:
canter

Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - 6:55 am:

I'm very sorry, Julie, that your filly was exposed. I will keep my fingers crossed that she will be OK.
Member:
lilo

Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - 9:47 am:

Keeping my fingers crossed for you also, Julie.
All the best,
Lilo
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2011 - 5:22 pm:

Having been vaccinated in the last few months no I don't think I would revaccinate if the MLV vaccine was used. If a killed vaccine was used I would consider boostering with the MLV vaccine which may be more effective.

The decision to use the antiviral drug valacyclovir as a preventive should take into account the risk of disease developing, cost of the drug, and that currently there are no well researched antiviral drugs in horses. All the current studies I can find are small and introductory. They hint at possible effectiveness and no adverse reactions have been noted but this is far from knowing they are safe and effective. If I were dealing with a situation similar to yours, I would consider the alternative of taking rectal temps once or twice a day and if a fever starts then begin treatment immediately.
DrO
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC