Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) was diagnosed in a mare at a breeding farm in Cooke County, Texas, on May 24. The affected farm was placed under quarantine and restricted from moving animals and semen.
Since the original confirmed EHM positive horse, six additional horses on the premises have tested positive for the neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1. One of the test positive horses exhibited neurologic signs consistent with EHM, bringing the total number of EHM cases at this facility to two.
TAHC staff works closely with the facility management and veterinarian to implement testing protocols and biosecurity measures. All affected horses (seven) on the premises were removed to an isolation area after being diagnosed. All remaining equine in the barn were monitored for elevated temperatures twice daily. Movement restrictions on these horses were lifted once they tested negative on nasal swabs taken 14 days after the affected horses were removed.
The seven affected horses are recovering and doing well at this time. They will remain under quarantine until all test negative on nasal swabs.
The equine industry is encouraged to obtain the latest information on this outbreak and other disease events across the country by visiting the Equine Disease Communication Center at http://www.equinediseasecc.org/outbreaks.aspx.
