We’re sure most of you have heard about the EHV-1 cases at HITS in Ocala, FL. Below is the information we have received from the South Carolina and Florida state veterinarians regarding how they’re handling the cases.
For daily updates from Florida visit: www.freshfromflorida.com
“Horse Owners,
It is likely that most of you have already heard about the EHV-1 concerns coming out of Ocala, Florida. I have included (below) the forwarded email from Mike Short, DVM the Equine Programs Manager for Florida Division of Animal Industry.
This appears to be an isolated incident with the “Wild Type” EHV-1 strain, not the neuropathogenic form that was originally suspected. Apparently this horse did develop Central Nervous System (CNS) signs, but is now recovering at UF. Based on what I understand about EHV-1, the “wild type” can cause CNS disease in some horses but much less often when compared to the neuropathogenic form.
With all of the emails, calls, and texts that I have received regarding this event, please take this as an opportunity to educate yourself and other horse owners about protecting our horses through basic biosecurity at events, competitions, and when returning home. Owners that understand basic biosecurity can protect the SC horse industry and prevent a potential EHV disaster of our own.
Biosecurity Basics-
Avoid contact with new horses (no nose greeting or contact with urine or feces).
Wash hands regularly when grooming, feeding, or handling your horse.
Disinfect tack, equipment, or tools between horses.
Have a written plan for new horses or horses returning from an event.
Please review the 3 attachments- 2-24-13 FL Update, the Clemson EHV Handout, and Equine CNS Reportable Disease Form.
Neurologic horses are included on the list of reportable diseases and clinical signs for South Carolina. By law reportable diseases must be reported the State Veterinarian’s office within 48 hours.
http://www.clemson.edu/public/
Let’s all do our part to protect our industry. Please call or email me with any questions or concerns.
Thanks,
Adam
Adam C. Eichelberger, DVM, DACT
Interim Director, Animal Health Programs
Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health
PO Box 102406, Columbia, SC 29224-2406
(803)726-7804 Office, (803)730-2725 Mobile, (803)788-8058 Fax
eichelb@clemson.edu http://www.clemson.edu/lph/
Forwarded Email below (Friday 2-22-13)-
“We have one confirmed case of EHV-1 (wild type-not neuropathogenic strain) in a WB gelding that was at the HITS show grounds in Ocala Florida and is currently at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine. The horse was diagnosed yesterday and we began our investigation today. The horse moved from a local farm to the show grounds several times is the past several weeks. He was shipped to the show grounds this past Wednesday where he became clinical with neurological signs and was subsequently shipped that afternoon to the University. Based on our current investigation we believe there is minimal risk to the general population but have the farm of origin and tent 7 at the show grounds under state quarantine.
We are working on trace-outs that may have been exposed to the index horse. At this point we have traced back 10+ days and have no known traces to other states.
We will be updating our website daily (http://www.freshfromflorida.
Mike Short, D.V.M.
Equine Programs Manager
Division of Animal Industry
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
(850) 410-0901″
