Numerous reports have indicated that at least one horse has died in Wellington, Fla., from a viral illness suspected to be neurologic equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV). Animal health officials are currently seeking to confirm the cause of the horse’s illness.

Equine herpesvirus-1 can spread through direct contact or through the air, which makes the disease a concern where groups of horses congregate. The clinical signs of EHV-1 include fever and nasal discharge, and more rarely, neurologic signs (including an inability to control the hind limbs and tail) and abortions. Scientists definitively diagnose EHV-1 infections on virus culture from blood or nasal secretions, PCR (polymerase chain reaction test, a DNA test of blood or nasal secretions), or serology (antibody titers).

Stadium Jumping, Inc. cancelled this weekend’s American Grand Prix Association National Championship and the Christmas Festival Horse Show, citing an “apparent outbreak of an infectious equine disease within the equestrian community of Wellington.” Wellington has an active winter horse show circuit that attracts riders and trainers from across the country.

According to a statement released by the Florida State Veterinarian’s office, two horses have exhibited neurologic signs consistent with EHV-1. One of these horses was euthanatized on Sunday (Dec. 10). Another horse is still being treated in isolation at a veterinary clinic. The statement also confirms that the two affected horses shared a facility, which is now under official quarantine.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel has reported that the euthanatized horse was well-known Grand Prix jumper Cosequin’s CEO, ridden by Debbie Stephens.

Area veterinarian Scott Swerdlin, DVM, told the The Palm Beach Post he believes the cases are isolated, but he is encouraging horse owners to vaccinate their animals.

The Palm Beach Post also has reported that several local barns are under a voluntary lockdown to prevent the spread of the disease.

“Everyone I’ve talked to is taking all the precautions they can,” said Kenneth Krause of Phelps Media, which represents the facility that cancelled the show. “Every horseman I’ve talked to, their orders are to stay in the barn, do not visit other horses, do not go off the property, wash your hands, disinfect, clean, that type of thing.”

A veterinarian from the USDA will be hosting a forum on EHV at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club this Saturday (Dec. 16). Equestrians, area horse owners, and members of the general public have been invited to attend.

For more information on EHV-1, check out our free PDF library of EHV-related articles including images, or all our archived EHV-1 articles on TheHorse.com