According to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, 4 horses at a boarding facility in central North Carolina have been confirmed to have the neurologic form of EHV-1 and have been euthanized. This facility has had little movement of horses on or off the farm. Veterinarians are working closely with the practicing veterinarian and the farm owner.
Watching for symptoms of EHV-1
According to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, 4 horses at a boarding facility in central North Carolina have been confirmed to have the neurologic form of EHV-1 and have been euthanized.
Additional investigation found that five horses were moved from the stable in the last four weeks and have been tracked to four locations in North Carolina where their health status is being monitored. All known exposed horses have been accounted for, are not showing clinical signs and have not been moved. No additional horses have been moved from any of the known sites.
The spokeperson for the Department of Agriculture stated, "At this point, we believe this is an isolated incident with low-risk to other horses. However, we do encourage horse owners to practice good biosecurity measures as a precaution. EHV-1 is not a reportable disease to the Office of the State Veterinarian under state law, however the office appreciates being made aware of suspicious cases and will offer help in controlling the disease. The last known case in North Carolina was in January 2012."
Equine Herpesvirus-1 is often fatal since there is no cure. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “Equine herpesvirus (EHV)–1 causes abortion, respiratory disease, and, occasionally, neurologic disorders in horses.”
The National Veterinary Services Lab reports that the euthanized horses had the neurological type of (EHV)-1.
Symptoms of the virus include fever, lack of coordination and loss of balance. The facility will remain under quarantine until 28 days after the last recorded fever, since it can take a while for horses to display symptoms.
The CDC states that the (EHV)-1 infection is usually limited to equine species.
Along with horse-to-horse contact, humans can also transmit the virus to horses through contact. It can also be spread through riding equipment and food and water buckets.