Horse owners should monitor horses for symptoms
Confirmed cases of equine herpes virus Type 1 lead to quarantine at two horse stables
The state Department of Agriculture and Markets is advising owners, boarders and riders to watch their horses closely for signs of equine herpes virus Type 1 (EHV-1) after several cases of the virus were confirmed in horses boarded in Canton, St. Lawrence County, and Geneseo, Livingston County. The virus is not a threat to humans, but people can also spread the virus from infected horses to other horses.
The department is investigating the cases at St. Lawrence University’s horse-boarding facility and Leg Up Stables, which is home to SUNY Geneseo’s Equestrian Team. The stables are working closely with Ag and Markets and have voluntarily quarantined their animals and proactively instituted biosafety measures.
Horses and people who visited the facilities, competed at the venues or who had contact with these animals from Feb. 23 through March 10, 2019, may have been exposed to EHV-1. This virus may cause neurological signs, or equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM), in horses. Symptoms can include fever, loss of balance and unsteady gait.
In addition, people who visited the affected facilities during that time and those who had contact with these horses, should pay close attention to biosecurity and carefully observe their own horses daily for neurological signs, which can indicate exposure to EHV-1. They also are advised to contact their veterinarian and the Division of Animal Industry at the state Department of Agriculture and Markets at 518.457.3502.
If possible, exposed horses should be isolated from other horses for at least three weeks after a known exposure. If an exposed horse has not shown any signs of EHV-1 infection for three weeks after the last known exposure, it is likely safe to resume normal activities.
Vaccinations, while helpful, do not guarantee disease prevention.
Information on the disease, standards for biosecurity, control and other guidelines can be found online. Precautions like hand-washing, using disinfectant and sanitizers, changing clothes and not sharing equipment can help reduce the risk of transmission.