The Indiana State Board of Animal Health has quarantined a Lake County boarding facility after a horse was confirmed positive with equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). The horse was humanely euthanized after showing neurological signs just days before he was confirmed for the virus. The 45 horses at the stable will remain under quarantine until all are confirmed free of the disease.
New Case of EHV-1
An Indiana boarding facility has been quarantined after a horse was confirmed positive with equine herpes virus-1(EHV-1.
EVH-1 disease is a highly contagious neurological disease that is spread by direct horse-to-horse contact with nasal secretions. It may also be spread by the inhalation of infected air particles, but it is not known how far distant the airborne virus can spread under typical horse management and environmental conditions.
The disease can also be spread indirectly through contact with physical objects contaminated with the virus, such as human hands and clothing, equipment, tack, trailers, grooming equipment, contaminated feed, and water buckets.
Practicing proper biosecurity is important to prevent the spread of the virus since people, horses and equipment can transfer EHV. Do not share equipment among horses—even healthy ones. Individuals working with horses should wash their hands after handling one horse and before working with another. Sick horses, those exhibiting neurological signs, or those that have recently aborted should be separated from healthy horses until a diagnosis can been made.
Horse owners should talk to a veterinarian about including the EHV vaccine in an annual vaccination regimen. When traveling to exhibitions and/or out-of-state, horse owners are advised to contact the state of destination to determine if additional requirements must be met due to a case identified in Indiana. Additional statements may be necessary on certificates of veterinary inspection.
Learn more about Equine Herpes Virus-1