EHV-1 Outbreak: Case Total Holding Steady

The number of confirmed EHV-1 cases nationwide is holding steady; Equestrian events cancelled or postponed for
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Horse owners in the western United States and Canada remain on alert for neurologic equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). The outbreak–which is believed to have originated from horses that attended the April 29-May 8 National Cutting Horse Association’s (NCHA) Western National Championship competition in Ogden, Utah–has caused the cancellation or postponement of numerous equestrian events throughout the Western states.

A statement released late yesterday (May 23) by the NCHA indicated that all NCHA-approved competitions this upcoming weekend (May 27-29) have been canceled, in addition to the NCHA/American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Weekend (a grassroots cutting "celebration" held annually). The latter event was scheduled for June 3-5 at 25 locations around the United States.

The AQHA also made the decision to lower the number of qualifying points horses need to amass for inclusion in the Adequan Select World Championship Show (scheduled for Aug. 28-Sept. 3 in Amarillo, Texas), according to a statement on the organization’s website. The decision, made by the AQHA Executive Committee, came after "several show managers … either voluntarily canceled or are considering cancelation of their shows this weekend, and some exhibitors have expressed their reluctance to move their horses out of concern of potentially exposing them to EHV-1."

The concern is not limited to the cutting and Quarter Horse communities, however, as two eventing facilities released press releases in regards to upcoming competitions on the United States Eventing Association’s website. A nationally recognized horse trial in Montana slated to take place May 27-28 was rescheduled to July for precautionary measures, and another nationally recognized horse trial taking place in California this weekend has implemented numerous biosecurity measures: For example, horse health certificates issued within 72 hours of arriving on show grounds must be presented, and all horses will undergo a veterinary health inspection upon arrival

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Written by:

Erica Larson, former news editor for The Horse, holds a degree in journalism with an external specialty in equine science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. A Massachusetts native, she grew up in the saddle and has dabbled in a variety of disciplines including foxhunting, saddle seat, and mounted games. Currently, Erica competes in eventing with her OTTB, Dorado.

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