.Press Release:
Authorities in Virginia have confirmed a second horse in the state suffering from equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy – the neurological form of equine herpes virus 1 (EHV-1).
Authorities in Virginia have confirmed a second horse in the state suffering from equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy – the neurological form of equine herpes virus 1 (EHV-1).
The most recent case is in Loudoun County, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reports.
The first case, in western Albemarle County, Northwest of Charlottesville, was confirmed by testing 10 days ago. The horse first showed signs of the disease on January 31.
Both horses are recovering from the infection.
The department said the horse in the Loudoun County case was exhibiting a fever and was not eating or drinking. Even though it never showed neurological signs, the owner took the horse to the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center (EMC) in Leesburg.
There, staff tested the horse and quickly diagnosed EHV-1. The horse is under quarantine there. A second horse from the same farm exhibited a fever but no other signs. As a precaution, it is also under quarantine and tests are being run.
Dr Richard Wilkes, state veterinarian with the department, stressed that the horses were admitted directly into the isolation area at Marion duPont Scott. At no time were the horses in the general hospital area. The center is confident that their biosecurity protocols will contain the virus to the isolation area.
Thirty-three other horses from the same farm are under quarantine on the property in Loudoun County. None of them has shown any signs of EHV-1, but will be monitored at least until February 26.
No horses from this farm have been at events during the incubation period for the virus.
There is no known connection between the Loudoun and Albemarle horses, according to state officials.
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