The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) offers alerts about equine diseases that have been confirmed by reliable sources. The following information is from the EDCC.
Neurologic Horse Positive for EHM in Oregon
A horse with neurologic signs was diagnosed with equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in Marion County, Oregon. The horse began showing acute neurologic signs on Saturday March 18 and was immediately referred to Oregon State University-College of Veterinary Medicine (OSU-CVM). The diagnosis was made on March 20 by a positive test for both the EVH-1 wild type and neurotropic genetic markers. When the horse’s condition deteriorated, it was euthanized.
All horses at the Marion County property have been quarantined and strict biosecurity measures initiated. A second location in Marion County with a high-risk contact horse has also been quarantined. Quarantined horses are being closely monitored, and there is no indication at this time that the virus has spread to other horses beyond those being quarantined, and there are no traces to other states.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture will continue to work closely with all involved parties and is monitoring the situation very closely. Owners with questions about the neurologic form of EHV-1 should contact their veterinarian.
About EDCC
The Equine Disease Communication Center 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.
The goal of the EDCC is to alert the horse industry about disease outbreak information to help mitigate and prevent the spread of disease. Ultimately frequent and accurate information about diseases outbreaks improves horse welfare and helps to prevent negative economic impact that can result from decreased horse use due to a fear of spreading infection. As part of the National Equine Health Plan the EDCC will serve as part of the communication to help educate and promote research about endemic and foreign disease.
Working in cooperation with state animal health officials and the United State Department of Agriculture, the EDCC seeks information about current disease outbreaks from news media, social media, official state reports and veterinary practitioners. Once information is confirmed, it is immediately posted on this website and messages sent to all states and horse organizations by email. Daily updates are posted until each outbreak is contained or deemed no longer a threat.
The EDCC is made possible by generous donations from organizations and horse owners. Please visit our sponsors that have generously supported this program for the benefit of the health and welfare of horses. To learn how you can help go to SUPPORT.
