Equestrian event organizers are taking a cautionary approach to horse show planning after an outbreak of equine herpes led to widespread infections and even euthanizing of multiple show horses.
In particular, the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) has canceled several competitions for May 20th through 22nd in nine Western states and perhaps even afterwards. Participants in shows across the nation are urged to confirm plans before transporting horses.
The equine herpes virus (EHV-1) epidemic has been traced to two horses that attended the NCHA Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah, from April 29th to May 8th. The initial infection may have arrived in Utah through a horse that traveled from Canada. The EHV-1 outbreak spread to several western states, leading to quarantines at equestrian facilities and veterinary hospitals in Colorado, Utah, Washington and other areas.
“I would like to thank all of the professional horsemen and members who have voluntarily imposed quarantines on their facilities and are being proactive in this situation by not allowing horses in or out of their facilities,” said Chris Benedict, NCHA president, on May 19th. As there is not a specific vaccine for this virus, the fastest way to stop it is by stopping the transportation of horses.”
The equine herpes virus alert arose right at the opening of horse show season, when equestrian events begin to operate at full swing.
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), one of the nation’s largest equine breed groups, lowered 2011 World Championship qualifying point requirements after many horse shows were canceled out of caution over the EHV-1 epidemic.
What is equine herpes virus?
Equine herpes virus (EHV-1) is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral infection that affects horses and is most often spread through respiratory secretions.
Primary symptoms of EHV-1 include nasal discharge, fever, lack of coordination, lethargy, dribbling urine, loss of tail tone, weakness of one or both hind legs and loss of balance. The viral disease may take either of two forms, a respiratory infection or a neurological one, which may follow the first. Currently, no sure vaccine or cure is available.
Horse-to-horse contact, as in shared pastures or the use of communal feed and water buckets is a prime danger. Although humans cannot contract the disease, people can certainly transmit infection by touching horses or by passing it along on contaminated items. Bridles, bits, brushes, clothing, riding gear and other items may easily become EHV-1 carriers.
The incubation period for equine herpes virus is generally one to two days, although the disease may last 21 days, if horses survive the sickness.
Equine veterinarians across the board are advising increased biosecurity measures at equestrian facilities.
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