A deadly horse virus has spread to eight states, including Colorado, prompting Montezuma and La Plata counties to temporarily close their fairgrounds to equine activities as officials work to limit its spread.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the Montezuma County Fairgrounds is temporarily closed to all equine activities due to regional concerns about Equine Herpes Virus Type 1 (EHV-1),” according to a county Facebook post Friday. “This includes all open riding and overnight stall rentals.”
The La Plata County Fairgrounds closed its arena and pavilion Monday afternoon until further notice.
The closures aim to prevent EHV-1 transmission among horses. On Nov. 20, San Juan County, New Mexico, announced the closure of its fairgrounds for equine use as well.
Officials said no confirmed cases have been reported at the three fairgrounds.
A neurological condition linked to the virus, Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy, or EHM, was first found at the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Finals and Elite Barrel Race event in Waco, Texas, Nov. 5-9.
As of Monday, the virus is present in eight states and has 29 confirmed cases, the Equine Disease Communication Center reported. The number rose from 16 cases across five states Nov. 21.
Colorado has one confirmed case in Larimer County, the Colorado Department of Agriculture said Nov. 21.
Arizona and New Mexico each have three cases. Oklahoma has five, Louisiana three, Washington two and South Dakota one. Texas tops the count with 11 confirmed cases.
Recovery rates range from 60% to 70% when treated, according to the Equine Disease Communication Center.
Colorado State University’s Veterinary Health System released a statement Nov. 21, informing horse owners about the outbreak and clarifying actions by the state’s veterinary specialists.
“We are asking owners to disclose recent travel involving their horses,” Dr. Gabriele Landolt, infectious disease lead at the Johnson Family Equine Hospital, said in the statement.
Landolt said the team is prioritizing horses with possible exposure at recent rodeo or barrel racing events. “In cases where there’s a potential exposure history, we will be taking extra precautions, for example, taking temperatures before the horse enters our hospital.”
“At this time we're really just asking people to be cautious and not travel to any areas that had exposure,” said Dr. Samantha Holeck, New Mexico Livestock Board state veterinarian.
Monitoring the spread of EHV-1
Owners of horses that may have been exposed to EHM should work with a veterinarian to establish biosecurity and monitoring plans, including:
* Isolate horses that attended the event for at least two weeks.
* Monitor returning horses’ temperature twice daily for at least 14 days after the last known exposure. A fever above 101.5 F is often the first indicator of EHV-1.
* If a fever greater than 102.5 F or other signs of EHM develop, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Clinical signs of EHM
* Lethargy, nasal discharge, eye discharge, swelling of the legs, lack of coordination, hindquarter weakness, leaning or resting against a surface to maintain balance, urine dribbling, biminished tail tone, penile paralysis, head tilt, abortion in pregnant mares.
These signs are not specific to EHM; diagnostic testing is required to confirm infection. If you suspect exposure to EHV-1, contact your local veterinarian.
To help prevent spread:
* Wash hands and use sanitizer before and after working with horses.
* Disinfect clothing and footwear before and after contact.
* Wash and disinfect items such as feed and water buckets, grooming gear, saddles and other tack.
* Avoid visiting other barns or facilities with horses.
Additional resources:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/equine/herpesvirus
https://aaep.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/EHV1-4-guidelines-2021.pdf
The Equine Disease Communication Center reports cases submitted by veterinarians and state animal health officials. Veterinarians with confirmed or suspected EHM cases can submit a report at https://equinediseasecc.org/forms/report-outbreak.
Sources: New Mexico Livestock Board and Equine Disease Communication Center
