Equine Herpes Confirmed In Douglas County Horse

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is investigating a confirmed case of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) within the state.

A quarantine has been placed on a Douglas County premises after a horse was confirmed with the virus.

The horse was transported from Iowa by a private owner and was euthanized after showing severe neurological signs associated with the disease. There are three other facilities in Colorado that received horses from the same transport company. Those horses are isolated and are being closely monitored for any clinical signs of EHV.

Unlike the EHV-1 outbreak in 2011, this case is not associated with any equine show or event. To date, no other horses have become ill with similar signs. With the exception of the index and direct contact horses? premises the state veterinarian is not recommending movement or event restrictions.

“The Department is taking quick and appropriate actions to control and mitigate this disease,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr. “We will continue to trace the movement of this horse and those horses it came into contact with in order to protect Colorado’s equine industry.”

EHV-1 is not transmissible to people; it can be a serious disease of horses that can cause respiratory, neurological disease and death. The most common way for EHV-1 to spread is by direct horse-to-horse contact. The virus can also spread through the air, contaminated equipment, clothing and hands.

Symptoms include fever, decreased coordination, nasal discharge, urine dribbling, loss of tail tone, hind limb weakness, leaning against a wall or fence to maintain balance, lethargy, and the inability to rise. While there is no cure, the symptoms of the disease may be treatable.