Despite prevention efforts, disease outbreaks occur. The transfer of animals across geographies and in and out of facilities adds to the risks, regardless of compliance to protocols. Competitive horse events frequently mix horses from a variety of origins.
Eighteen horses have been confirmed positive for EHV-1 in southern California’s Riverside County. Some of these horses tested positive after leaving Desert International Horse Park, Thermal, California. Both strains of EHV-1 are spread by direct horse-to-horse contact.
USEF, in conjunction with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, has created the following FAQs with up-to-date information about the EHV-1 outbreak. Effective immediately and to mitigate the risk of virus transmission, the USEF now requires strict protocols be followed until further notice.
Source: Horse Network, February 25, 2022. Link.
- Three horses from DIHP have confirmed positive for EHM (EHV-1 infection with neurological signs). One of these horses had to be euthanized.
- So far, there is no known direct link between the DIHP and the euthanized horse confirmed positive for EHM that competed at Los Angeles Equestrian Center.
- The euthanized horse had not been to DIHP but was exposed to other horses upon their return from DIHP. One of the returned horses confirmed positive for EHV-1.
INSIGHTS: When outbreaks occur, animal health pros have yet another reason to discuss prevention, compliance and animal ownership responsibilities. Only firm compliance to preventative protocols can help us keep animals safe and healthy. While there are no absolutes, this reality is consistent across most domestic species. Sadly, it is often ignored or misunderstood by animal owners.