The Oregon Department of Agriculture is reporting that a case of wild type EHV-1 has been detected at the Portland Meadows racetrack. A 7-year-old Thoroughbred mare developed mild ataxia on January 25.
Neither the neuropathogenic or wild type strains of EHV-1 were detected by PCR testing on blood EDTA samples. The EHV-1 neuropathogenic strain was not detected by PCR testing on nasal swab samples, however, the wild type strain was detected.
Portland Meadows racetrack veterinary authorities have quarantined the index case and high-risk contacts in a barn separate from other horses. Enhanced biosecurity measures have been implemented.
The index case is stable and non-febrile. High-risk contacts are being closely monitored. To date, there have been no additional sick animals reported.
The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) works to protect horses and the horse industry from the threat of infectious diseases in North America. The communication system is designed to seek and report real time information about disease outbreaks similar to how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerts the human population about diseases in people.
