Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) Update for Texas

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UPDATE from Texas Animal Health Commission – press release

Currently, there are still 25 known horses in Texas that attended the event and 336 cohorts (stablemates) of the 25 that are currently being held under movement restrictions. The single confirmed case which was a horse from New Mexico that sought treatment in a veterinary clinic in Texas is now recovering. The horse returned to its original premises of origin. The single “suspect” case that was reported Thursday, May 19, from Jack County tested negative for EHV-1, however was euthanized due to the severity of its unrelated illness. TAHC continues to evaluate other unrelated horses with clinical signs, but no additional cases have been confirmed at this time.

To be consistent with reports from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other states, the TAHC is following USDA  guidelines for clinical and suspect cases which have very specific criteria to meet the case definition. Currently “suspect” and “confirmed” cases will be the two types of cases that the TAHC reports.

The following USDA link outlines the specific definition for what is classified as a  “suspect” and/or “confirmed” case: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/ehv_ehm_recommendations_051611.pdf

To view the May 19, 2011 EHV-1 nationwide situation report compiled by USDA, visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/ehv_2010_sitrep_051911.pdf

TAHC officials urge Texas horse owners to be vigilant of the possibility that exposed horses may still be incubating the disease. Horse owners should contact event organizers in advance to ensure that scheduled events have not been cancelled.

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has no plans to change entry requirements for equine animals or to mandate cancelling any equine events at the present time. The TAHC will re-evaluate this position after analyzing new case data or other epidemiological information that arises.
For information regarding EHV-1, visit www.tahc.state.tx.us . Several useful links can also be accessed through their website. You can also keep up with EHV-1 information through The TAHC Facebook (www.facebook.com/TexasAHC ) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/TAHC ) pages.

*Daily EHV-1 updates will be provided/posted at the end of business day throughout this week.*