Missouri officials urge precautions after EHV-1 cases reported in Texas and Oklahoma
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Veterinary officials in Missouri are urging horse owners to take precautions after multiple cases of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), the neurologic form of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1), were confirmed in Texas and Oklahoma. No cases have been reported in Missouri.
The first confirmed infections occurred in horses that attended an equine event in Waco, Texas, from Nov. 5–9. Additional cases were identified in horses that participated in a barrel racing event earlier this week in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Officials say any Missouri owners or trainers with horses that attended either event should work with their veterinarian and quarantine exposed horses for at least 14 days.
“Missouri owners or trainers of horses at either of these events should closely monitor their horses for at least 14 days from last exposure, monitor temperature twice daily and isolate them from other horses,” Missouri State Veterinarian Dr. Steve Strubberg said. “EHV-1 is highly contagious in equine and can spread very quickly.”
The virus spreads through direct nose-to-nose contact, as well as through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Indirect transmission can occur through shared feed and water buckets, tack, or by transporting horses together.
Owners are encouraged to increase biosecurity and watch for symptoms such as fever, nasal discharge, coughing, stumbling, hind-end weakness or other neurological signs. Cases involving neurological symptoms should be treated as medical emergencies.
EHV-1 and EHM do not pose a risk to humans.
More information about Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 is available on the USDA equine herpesvirus website. Details about programs within the Missouri Department of Agriculture can be found at Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA).
