SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Two horses in Spokane County have been infected with a strain of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV), prompting the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) to advise horse owners to quarantine newly acquired horses or those recently taken to shows.
According to the department the two horses, which became ill between Nov. 16 and Nov. 17, were diagnosed with the neuropathogenic strain of EHV, which can lead to the often-fatal condition known as Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), according to the WSDA.
As a result, veterinarians from the WSDA are urging anyone who has recently visited a local arena with other horses to take precautions. The two infected horses are under quarantine and receiving veterinary oversight, while the affected arena has been temporarily closed to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
“The virus incubation period is highly variable and can be as long as 14 days,” said Dr. Ben Smith, assistant state veterinarian with the WSDA.
The department said that they are advising horse owners who have recently purchased a horse or attended a show to monitor their animals closely. If a horse exhibits a temperature of 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, veterinary attention is strongly recommended. Additionally, the WSDA recommends avoiding nose-to-nose contact between horses and not sharing equipment to reduce transmission risks.
According to the department, EHV is a common respiratory virus in horses, but the neurologic form can lead to EHM, which causes symptoms such as fever, decreased coordination, hind limb weakness, and lethargy. These signs should not be ignored, and prompt veterinary care is essential. Taking horses’ temperatures twice daily can aid in early detection and improve outcomes for affected animals.
For more information about EHM and biosecurity, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center and the Equine Disease Association.
