Staying informed about your horses
By: Lauren Rauschenberg
Another case of equine herpes virus was found in Orange County and has led to the cancellation of the Blenheim Horse Show. Thus far, there has been one reported death and one sick. In light of the sad news, there are 3 definitions you should know.
Equine Herpes Virus Definitions:
1. Confirmed Case: A horse which displays compatible clinical signs AND has a positive laboratory diagnostic test for the neuropathogenic strain of Equine Herpes Virus-1.
2. Compatible Clinical Signs: Any one or more of the following clinical signs: fever, nasal discharge, ataxia, hind end weakness, diminished tail tone, and/or recumbency.
3. Exposed Horse: A horse which has been in close contact with a confirmed case of the neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1 within the last 14 days.
The current EHV-1 situation:
ORANGE COUNTY:
· January 15, 2012: There are no new cases. Due to the holiday weekend and laboratory closure, the next posting on this website will be Tuesday, January 17, 2012.
· January 14, 2012: There are no new cases. CDFA continues to monitor the situation.
· January 13, 2012: Two additional horses displaying a fever have been confirmed for the neuropathogenic strain of Equine Herpes Virus-1. There are a total of five confirmed positive cases on the Orange County premises. All horses on the property continue to be monitored.
· January 12, 2012: Two additional horses displaying fever and respiratory signs have been confirmed positive for the neuropathogenic strain of Equine Herpes Virus- 1, on the Orange County premises. All horses on the premises remain under quarantine and being monitored for disease.
· January 11, 2012: A gelding displaying neurologic signs from an Orange County premises was confirmed positive for the neuropathogenic strain of Equine Herpes Virus-1. The gelding has been isolated, quarantined and is under veterinary care. The large multi-discipline facility has been quarantined with no movement of horses on or off the property. The potentially exposed horses on the premises are being monitored. A full epidemiologic investigation at the affected premises has been initiated by the CDFA Animal Health Branch.
Find more information on the homepage of the California Department of Food and Agriculture
