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Animal Health Trust |
Interim Report – June 2011 #3 (10.06.11)
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) Neurologic Disease
A third week report has been released by USDA, APHIS, VS concerning the reports of widespread occurrence of EHV-1 neurological disease or myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in a number of Western states in the US since early May. As indicated in a previous interim report, the source of infection for this recent series of outbreaks was the National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championship Show held in Ogden, Utah held between April 28th and May 8th, 2011.
Suspect or confirmed cases of EHM have been reported in 9 states including Arizona (3), California (7), Colorado (6), Idaho (4), New Mexico (2), Oklahoma (1), Oregon (1), Utah (5), and Washington (3). The total number of confirmed cases of EHM currently stands at 32. Twenty -six of which are in primary exposed horses and six in secondary/tertiary exposed horses. At this time, a total of 12 horses (10 primary cases and 2 secondary/tertiary cases) have died or been euthanised. Additional to the number of cases of suspect/confirmed EHM, out of a total of 421 primary exposed horses, there have been 40 EHV-1 suspect and 32 EHV-1 confirmed cases. These are horses that were febrile but had no neurologic signs. The total number of exposed premises as of June 1st was 240 (2 more than one week ago) of which 61 had suspect/confirmed cases of EHM/EHV-1 infection and 179 had zero cases. All suspect and confirmed cases of EHV-1/EHM are reportedly under voluntary or state quarantine as are all exposed horses. Standardised recommendations developed by state and federal officials emphasised isolation of exposed horses, monitoring for clinical signs of neurologic disease and the need to test and treat affected horses. Biosecurity measures are available for premises with suspect or confirmed cases of the disease. A further update of the situation will be provided next week.
CANADA
Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) Neurologic Disease
As of 30th May 2011, EHV-1 was confirmed in an 8-year-old quarter horse mare. This horse attended the cutting horse show in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada. This case seems to be linked with the EHV-1 outbreak which is thought to have originated at a cutting horse show in Utah. The mare began to show clinical signs 10 days after returning from the Lloydminster show. Symptoms began with in appetence in the morning, and quickly progressed over the day. Neurological signs included: depression, head hanging, hind limb ataxia, poor tail tone, and an unability to urinate. At no point did the horse become recumbent. The mare has shown good response to supportive therapy and is recovering well.
Regards
International Collating Centre