| The
neurologic form of equine herpesvirus, EHV-1, has been confirmed in a
horse at a stable in Durham County. The N.C. Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services put the stable under a temporary quarantine last
week when the horse initially began showing signs of illness. Lab
results confirmed the diagnosis Tuesday
and the stable will remain under a full quarantine for at least 21 days
until veterinarians are sure that all horses are free of the disease.
The horse, a 21-year-old thoroughbred has been responding well to
veterinary treatment. All owners who have horses at the stable have been
contacted.
"We
have been working with the stable owner and are confident that this
virus is under control," said Dr. Mike Neault, NCDA&CS director of
livestock programs. "We are working with the local veterinarian to watch
for signs of illness in other horses at the stable. There is no reason
for other horse owners in the area to be alarmed."
EHV-1 is highly contagious among horses, but poses no threat to humans.
It most often causes respiratory infections in young horses, but
different strains can also pose neurologic problems. The virus also can
cause abortion in pregnant horses or neonatal death. Vaccines are
available that protect horses from most forms of EHV-1, but not from the
strains that cause neurologic problems.
Horse owners should take basic biosecurity precautions whenever they
travel with their horses. Water and feed buckets should be disinfected
and not shared. Stalls and trailers should also be cleaned and
disinfected regularly to prevent the spread of disease. New additions or
those returning from shows and exhibitions should be isolated for three
weeks prior to commingling with other horses upon returning home. Horse
owners should also talk with their veterinarian to determine a vaccine
schedule
courtesy of the NCDofAg&CS | 
