Although California currently does not have any cases of Equine Herpes Virus-1, alerts with recommendations for participants at equine events are being issued with the hope of preventing more cases this year. California Department of Food and Animal Health officials are continually monitoring for Equine Herpes Virus-1 cases.
Horse to horse contact - A No No
To prevent infectious diseases from spreading from horse to horse, always practice proper biosecurity.
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.