On May 9, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture alerted Kentucky’s Agriculture Commissioner, James Comer, and staff in the Kentucky State Veterinarians Office of Dr. Robert Stout of an illness affecting horses that had participated in the Bucksnort Trail Ride held in Tennessee in late April. Information provided by Tennessee officials describe horses as presenting varying symptoms that include neurological abnormalities.
EHV-1 in trail riding horses
Preliminary diagnostic testing gives evidence that one or more sick horses may have contracted equine herpesvirus type-1 (EHV-1).
The information released on May 9 also provided that the illness has resulted in four equine deaths with four additional horses demonstrating similar symptoms. On May 10, officials learned that preliminary diagnostic testing gives evidence that one or more of the sick horses may have contracted equine herpesvirus type-1 (EHV-1).
In addition, according to a May 14, 2012, news release by the American Quarter Horse Journal, horses in Colorado and Tennessee may have contracted equine herpesvirus-1. Preliminary polymerase chain reaction testing has detected EHV-1 viral DNA in at least two cases. Additional and more definitive testing continues.
Colorado state veterinary officials are keeping a close eye on a Franktown equestrian center after a horse there contracted equine herpesvirus.
On May 11, officials say they were forced to euthanize one sick horse at the Castlewood Equestrian Center. Officials say the horse may have contracted the virus while in Iowa the week before.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has provided to officials in bordering states a listing of individuals that participated in the trail ride.
In Tennessee, Commissioner Comer and Dr. Stout have directed animal health personnel to work closely with show managers and veterinarians to insure immediate notification of any suspected communicable disease is made to appropriate officials. Commissioner Comer stressed early notification allows a quick response by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture which in turn provides opportunity to minimize any potential direct and indirect negative impact to our industry might suffer.
The Kentucky State Veterinarians Office is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates as information becomes available.