Two New York Stables With EHV-1

Unknown number of horses at two stables used by New York universities are positive for EHV-1.

The Department is investigating the cases at Leg Up Stables in Livingston County, New York,, which is home to SUNY Geneseo’s Equestrian Team. Google Maps
The Department is investigating the cases at St. Lawrence University’s horse boarding facility in St. Lawrence County. Google Maps

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is advising owners, boarders and riders to watch their horses closely for signs of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) after several cases of the virus were confirmed in horses boarded in Canton, St. Lawrence County, and Geneseo, Livingston County. 

The virus is not a threat to humans, but people can also spread the virus from infected horses to other horses. 

The Department is investigating the cases at St. Lawrence University’s horse boarding facility and Leg Up Stables, which is home to SUNY Geneseo’s Equestrian Team. 

The stables are working closely with the Department and have voluntarily quarantined their animals and proactively instituted biosafety measures. 

Horses and people who visited the facilities, competed at the venues, or who had contact with these animals from February 23 through March 10 might have been exposed to EHV-1. 

This virus may cause neurological signs, or equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM), in horses. Symptoms can include fever, loss of balance and unsteady gait. 

In addition, people who visited the affected facilities during that time, and those who had contact with these horses, should pay close attention to biosecurity and carefully observe their own horses daily for fever and neurologic signs, which can indicate exposure to EHV-1. 

They also are advised to contact their own veterinarians and the Division of Animal Industry at the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets at 518-457-3502. 

If possible, exposed horses should be isolated from other horses for at least three weeks after a known exposure. If an exposed horse has not shown any signs of EHV-1 infection for three weeks after the last known exposure, it is likely safe to resume normal activities. 

Vaccinations, while helpful, do not guarantee disease prevention. 

Information on the disease, standards for biosecurity, control and other guidelines can be found online. Precautions—such as hand washing, using disinfectant and sanitizers, changing clothes and not sharing equipment—can help reduce the risk of transmission.

categories
tags
Trending Articles
Horses in the stable
14 Texas Horses Test Positive for EIA
Head of horse looking over the stable doors
AAEP Issues Field Guidelines for Infectious Neurologic Disease
Tablets Pills Horse
Using the Right Medications to Manage Chronic Pain in Horses
Z62_5383
Legislation Update: PEMF Use Restricted to Veterinarians in 3 States 
Newsletter
Get the best from EquiManagement delivered straight to your inbox once a week! Topics include horse care, disease alerts, and vet practitioner updates.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Country*

Additional Offers

Untitled
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.