Equine Herpesvirus ( EHV-1) has been confirmed in a North Carolina Horse

Update on EHV from Wednesday, 1/11/2012 Summary:

· There are 45 horses and 1 donkey under quarantine on 7 locations in 4 counties in NC; 37 of the animals are at a single premises, the other 9 on the remaining six quarantined location.
· Additionally, there are 7 horses traced out to Tennessee at two locations and 2 horses to Virginia at one location.
· Six of the seven quarantined locations in NC are expected to have their quarantine lifted by Tuesday, January 17, 2012 (assuming no fever spikes and/or observations of clinical signs).

As you can see, this situation is pretty much confined, all exposed animals have been located, quarantined, and being closely observed for any fever spikes and/or clinical signs. NCDA&CS, Vet Division field staff have been in close and regular communication with owners at these sites and will continue to do so until all the quarantines are lifted. Because the sites were identified, the exposed animals located and quarantined so quickly after suspicion of EHV-1, there has not been a recommendation to cancel equestrian events in the state. Also, no other states have notified our State Veterinarian’s Office of any movement restrictions on horses moving from North Carolina into their states.

If you have further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me by any of the methods listed below.

Thank you.

Tom Ray, DVM, MPH

Director, Animal Health Programs-Livestock

NCDA&CS, Veterinary Division

2 W Edenton Street

1030 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, NC 27699-1030

919-733-7601 Office

919-733-2277 FAX

Tom.Ray@ncagr.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, JAN. 5, 2012

CONTACT:

Dr. Tom Ray, director of Livestock Health Programs NCDA&CS Veterinary Division 919-733-7601

Virus affecting horses found at N.C. stable

Virus is contagious between horses, but does not affect humans

RALEIGH – The neurologic form of equine herpesvirus, EHV-1, has been confirmed in a North Carolina horse. The horse, from a Rockingham County stable, was taken to the College of Veterinary Medicine at N.C. State University upon becoming ill, and directly quarantined to the equine isolation unit of the hospital.

“We have been fortunate that we’ve not seen this particular form of this common virus in North Carolina to date, even though it has been increasing in frequency throughout the country for almost a decade now,” said State Veterinarian David Marshall. “We are working with the College of Veterinary Medicine and with the stable to implement biosecurity measures and minimize the risk of further spread.”

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, which the affected N.C. horse exhibited. 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.

Biosecurity measures to protect horses include quarantining facilities that are suspected to house EHV-1-exposed 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 3 weeks prior to comingling with other horses upon returning home. Horse owners should also talk with their veterinarian to determine a vaccine schedule.
More information about EPV-1 and how to prevent the virus can be found at http://www.ncagr.gov/vet/Disease%20Alerts.htm. Questions regarding College of Veterinary Medicine protocols may be referred to David Green at 919-513-6662.

There are no horse events scheduled this weekend at facilities owned by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in Raleigh, Williamston and Fletcher.