Equine herpes virus is a contagious disease and may spread quickly among horse populations although EHV-1 is not transmissible to humans. Horse-to-horse contact, aerosol transmission, and contaminated hands, equipment, tack and feed all play a role in disease spread. Treatment may include intravenous fluids, anti-inflammatory drugs and other appropriate supportive treatment. Immediate separation and isolation of horses suspected to be sick are key elements for disease control. Equine herpes virus that was been transmitted to some California horses at the National Cutting Horse Association's Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah April 30 through May 8.


The California Department of Food and Agriculture has contacted all exhibitors from California who participated in the  event and asked them to isolate and monitor their horses for clinical signs of EHV-1. A rectal temperature in excess of 102 degrees Fahrenheit commonly precedes other clinical signs, including nasal discharge, lack of coordination, hind end weakness, depression or lethargy, urine dribbling, and decreased tail tone, all neurological impacts.  Therefore, horse owners with potentially exposed horses are urged to take temperatures on each individual horse twice a day.


If they find that horses not at the show are getting sick, then the strain "is not acting as we know it to act, and we probably are working with an emerging disease," said Bruce King, Utah's state veterinarian. 


The sickness is located in the western states, but it is important to always be aware of your livestock and now especially with this disease out brake.