Re: Equine Herpesvirus Outbreak in Colorado
LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Colorado Department of Agriculture continues to investigate the spread of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) in the state.
As of 5/23/2011, 12pm:
• 9 confirmed cases of horses with EHV-1
• Two horses, which tested positive for EHV-1, were euthanized after showing severe neurological signs associated with the disease.
• 22 suspect cases. Suspect cases are those horses that are believed to have been exposed to EHV-1 but confirmatory tests are still pending.
• 12 quarantine and hold orders have been issued in 8 counties (Bent, Boulder, Garfield, Gunnison, Larimer, Mesa, Morgan, & Weld)
BACKGROUND
Colorado State Fair Horse Shows Cancelled
Colorado State Fair organizers have voluntarily cancelled th ree equine events following the spread of EHV-1.
• Zamora Roping originally scheduled for May 20-22, 2011. Reschedule date pending.
• Mounted Shooting Regional originally scheduled May 27-30, 2011. Rescheduled for October 7-10, 2011
• Sagebrush Slide Cow Horse Show originally scheduled June 1-5, 2011. Rescheduled for August 10-14, 2011
“We decided to reschedule these events to limit the number of horses traveling to and from our fairgrounds,” said State Fair General Manager Chris Wiseman. “Our horse shows are important to the Fair and to Colorado as a whole and we want to be proactive in protecting our horse community.”
Facts about EHV-1 Vaccines
The common vaccines available for EHV-1 immunization do not protect against the neurological form of EHV-1 disease which is commonly called equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). These immunizations do protect against the respiratory and abortion forms of the disease.
The EHV -1 vaccines are thought to reduce the shedding of the virus and may decrease the amount of circulating virus in the system of infected horses. So vaccinations prior to infection may help reduce the severity of an outbreak.
In the face of an EHV-1 outbreak, the value of vaccinating EHV-1 affected horses or exposed horses is questionable and may be detrimental to the horse. When an EHV-1 outbreak occurs, it may be helpful to give an EHV-1 booster immunization in a previously vaccinated, unexposed horse.
Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best vaccination and treatment strategy for your horses in your particular situation.
New Travel Requirements for Horses Entering Colorado
Standard requirements for horses entering Colorado include a health certificate issued within 30 days of their arrival and a negative Coggins test within 12 months. The new requirement consists of a permit to enter the state. Horse owners who wish to bring their hor se into Colorado must first call their veterinarian. That veterinarian can then contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian’s Office at (303) 239-4161 and request a permit number. That number would then be included on the health certificate.