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. The following reports are in chronological order from most recent to oldest from previous reports.
Inyo County, California, EHM Update
No additional confirmed cases of EHV-1 or new febrile horses have been identified at this time. The neurotrophic strain of EHV-1 causing EHM has been confirmed in one horse with mild neurologic symptoms in Inyo County, CA. This horse continues to improve and is now negative to PCR diagnostic testing on nasal swab. Additionally, two (2) febrile horses were confirmed positive for the neurotrophic EHV-1 strain and neither horse is exhibiting any neurologic symptoms. This neurotrophic strain identified in Inyo County is biologically distinct from the non-neurotrophic strain identified in all the Los Angeles County confirmed cases. The affected horses are part of a wintering pack string of horses and mules on an isolated, high desert ranch have been placed under quarantine with no movement allowed in order to limit disease transmission. The investigation of this disease outbreak is continuing by CDFA staff. Enhanced biosecurity is in place and we appreciate the cooperation and assistance from owner and private veterinarian.
Los Angeles Equestrian Center EHV-1 Update
There have been two new febrile horses identified in quarantined barns have been moved to isolation at the LAEC. There are now three (3) horses in quarantined isolation. Results from diagnostic PCR testing for EHV-1 on nasal swabs and blood are forthcoming. The LAEC incident has had a total of thirteen (13) EHV-1 confirmed cases, all of those caused by the non-neurotrophic strain the EHV-1 virus. Enhanced biosecurity measures continue in all barns under quarantine and all horses’ temperatures continue to be monitored twice daily.
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.
