EHV-1 Outbreak: Several New Cases Reported

There were only a few new cases of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) diagnosed Friday related to the outbreak
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There were only a few new cases of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) diagnosed Friday related to the outbreak believed to stem from the National Cutting Horse Association’s (NCHA) Western National Championship, held April 29-May 8 in Ogden, Utah.

Equine herpesvirus-1 is highly contagious and can cause a variety of ailments in horses, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and myeloencephalopathy (the neurologic form). The virus is not transmissible to humans. Clinical signs of EHV-1 myeloencephalopathy (EHM) include fever, ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the hind limbs, and incontinence. The virus is generally passed from horse to horse via aerosol transmission (when affected animals sneeze/cough) and contact with nasal secretions.

At press time today (May 21), the state and province totals of positive and suspected EHV-1 cases were as follows:

California – The number of positive EHV-1 cases in California rose to 16 with the report of an additional confirmed case today. A statement released by the California Department of Food and Agriculture indicated that 15 of the horses with confirmed cases competed at the NCHA show in Utah. Six of the EHV-1 positive horses displayed neurologic signs while the others have only displayed a fever, the statement said

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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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