A four year old Quarter Horse mare in Contra Costa County displaying severe neurologic signs has been confirmed positive for the neuropathogenic strain of Equine Herpesvirus -1 ( EHV-1).
Case of highly infectious EVH-1 in California
A four year old mare in Contra Costa County, California, has tested positive for Equine Herpesvirus-1.
Due to the severity of clinical signs in this case of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), the mare was euthanized. Initial epidemiologic investigation indicates no exposed horses as the mare was the sole horse on a pasture with cattle.
California Department of Food and Agriculture continues with the epidemiologic investigation and is monitoring the situation.
CDFA has no recommendations for the cancellation of any equine event. CDFA reminds horse owners traveling with horses to participate in an equine event, that there is always disease risk when horses of unknown health status are commingled for a show or competition.
CDFA strongly recommends that horse owners practice proper biosecurity when attending an equine event. Compliance with basic biosecurity practices is an important factor in reducing risk of exposure to all contagious equine diseases. Basic biosecurity measures to follow to decrease potential disease spread at equine events include:
- Limit horse-to-horse contact.
- Limit horse-to-human-to-horse contact.
- Avoid use of communal water sources.
- Avoid sharing of equipment unless thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between uses.
- Monitor your horse for clinical signs of disease and report any temperature over 102°F to a veterinarian.
Learn more about Equine Herpervirus-1