Equine herpesvirus - North America (03): (USA)
Wed 25 May 2011
A deadly horse virus outbreak that originated in Utah has prompted the cancellation of competitions across the United States in an attempt to contain the disease.
Late Wednesday [25 May 2011], state veterinarian Bruce King said 7 horses in Utah were infected with equine herpes virus-1 (EHV-1), and 8 horses were suspected having the disease; 2 horses were euthanized.
The animals were boarded at 4 private facilities in Box Elder, Davis, Kane, and Utah counties.
There are 33 confirmed infection cases in 8 western states; 7 horses have died. All but one of the cases were traced to the National Cutting Horse Association's Western National Championships staged in Ogden, Utah from 29 Apr to 8 May 2011, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
The outbreak may not have run its course. More than 300 horses from
18 states were exposed to the virus at the Ogden competition and 689 horses were secondarily exposed. California reported the highest number of exposures with 54 confirmed cases, followed by 36 cases in Idaho, and 30 in Colorado. Texas logged the highest number of potential exposures, with 323 horses, followed by 120 horses in Oregon, and 68 in Colorado.
Although the disease cannot be transmitted to humans, it is extremely contagious among horses. The virus can cause mild, flu like illnesses in many cases, but some horses may become seriously or fatally ill with respiratory or neurologic disease.
Full story:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/money/51882988-79/horses-horse-virus-disease.html.csp
