Newsdate: Sat, 28 May 2011 - 09:23 am
Location: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah

There have been no new confirmed cases or suspect cases reported by Utah veterinarians today. All suspect and confirmed cases will continue to be under quarantine for 28 days following the cessation of signs.

There are now six (6) quarantined private locations (Box Elder, Davis, Kane, and Utah (3) counties) with a total of seven (7) confirmed cases and thirteen (13) suspect cases at these locations. To date, two of the Utah cases were humanely euthanized after going down and being unable to return to their feet.

Important points that should be remembered and that have occurred with this incident:

•The equine herpesvirus, called EHV-1, disease is not transmissible to humans or other animals other than equine (horses, mules, burros) or camelid (llamas, alpacas, camels) species.

•Horse owners that are considering attending any equine competitive or congregation events in Utah are encouraged to contact the event sponsor to see if the event is going to take place at the scheduled time and place. Currently, no events have been cancelled under state direction.

•Signs associated with this disease include fever, decreased coordination, nasal discharge, urine dribbling, loss of tail tone, hind limb weakness, leaning against a wall or fence to maintain balance, lethargy, and the inability to rise.

◦Horse owners should watch their horses carefully and call their veterinarian immediately if any abnormal signs are observed.

◦Horses that attended the Ogden, UT event or have been in contact with horses that attended the event should be isolated and a minimum of two temperatures taken and recorded per day on each horse.

◦If there is any increase in body temperature or abnormal clinical signs in any of your horses, notify your veterinarian immediately.

◦We are not recommending the cancellation of any events involving horses, mules, and/or burros at this time.

◦Utah has not changed its importation requirements for horses, mules, and/or burros entering the state.

◦The virus is contagious between camelids and horses and cannot be spread to other animals such as cats and dogs. EHV-1 may cause only mild, flu-like illness in many cases, but some horses may become seriously ill with respiratory or neurologic disease. EHV-1 may be fatal in some severely infected horses. The most common way for EHV-1 to spread is by direct horse-to-horse contact. The virus also can spread through the air, contaminated equipment, clothing and hands.