The Idaho State Department of Agriculture confirmed equine herpesvirus myeloencephalitis (EHM) in a Quarter Horse mare that exhibited fever, diarrhea and ataxia at a private facility in Gooding County. The mare, of unknown vaccination status, was euthanized.
A second Quarter Horse mare of unknown age in Gem County experienced an abortion. Real time PCR of fetal tissue samples confirmed EHV-1 wild strain infection. This mare was current on vaccinations, including EHV-1.
Both premises are under quarantine and all horses are being actively monitored for elevated temperatures and clinical signs. Strict biosecurity measures have been implemented at all facilities. The ongoing investigation has yet to determine an epidemiological link between any of the current Idaho cases.
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.
