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May 15, 2015
Resources and References
for
Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1)
As the summer show season moves into full swing, equine communicable diseases begin
making the news and requiring action on the part event planners to control and prevent
their spread. In particular EHV-1, manifesting in numerous forms, including the
neurological form, recently occurred in Marion and Polk County Oregon. It is important
to note that neither the Oregon or Washington State Veterinarian’s offices have
declared an “outbreak.” The quarantine practices in Oregon have been successful in
stopping the spread of the virus from the events in April in Oregon as of May 15, 2015.
EHV is a virus that pretty much all horses carry (approximately 90%). Any horse could
have an outbreak and become contagious at any time. Science and veterinarians are not
sure why EHV happens in this way - most horses live on to old age and die of other
causes even though they carry EHV. It is much like shingles in people who have had
chicken pox, as it is a herpes virus, and farms/stables can have an outbreak on their
own without any traffic in or out. With the quarantine in Oregon having been successful
at stopping the spread outside of those already possibly exposed from the April events in
Oregon, there is no more danger in going to shows (or anywhere) than there would be
for any horse at any time.
On the other hand equine herpes virus is highly contagious and can cause a variety of
ailments in horses, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease mostly of young
horses), abortion in broodmares, and myeloencephalopathy (evident in the neurologic
form). The virus is not transmittable to humans. Clinical signs of the neurologic EHV-1
form include fever, ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the hind limbs, and
incontinence. The virus is generally passed from horse to horse via aerosol transmission
(when affected animals sneeze/cough) and contact with nasal secretions.
On Wednesday, May 13, 2015 Equestrians Institute and the L’Aperitif Dressage Show
required show participants to take two steps toward sound Biosecurity. 1. Monitor
temperatures twice daily Thursday, May 14 through the morning of Sunday, May 17,
2015 prior to arrival at the show. 2. Sign the affidavit posted below. These steps were
taken in the interest of caution and prevention, heightening awareness, and partially
fulfilling our non-profit educational mission with regard to biosecurity.
History of Oregon Occurrence:
April 16-19, 2015 Oregon High School Equestrian Team (OHSET) meet at the Linn
County Fairgrounds on. No Washington horses were in attendance.
April 25-26, 2015 Three stable mates of the EHV index case attended a trail riding
clinic at the Oregon Horse Center, Eugene. There were 14 Washington horses at this
clinic.
May 7, 2015 Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Press Release reported four (4)
horses showing signs of neurologic EHV-1. These cases were traced to the Oregon High
School Equestrian Team (OHSET) meet.
May 8, 2015 theHORSE.com edited and published the Oregon Department of
Agriculture (ODA) press release. Article #35766.
May 8, 2015 Washington State Veterinarian, Dr. Joe Baker, implemented increased
entry requirements for horses from Oregon.
http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal%5CAnimalHealth%5Cdocs%5CEHV1Recommendations_5
_2015.pdf
May 13, 2015 Equestrians Institute Dressage Committee instituted heightened
Biosecurity Measures for the L’Aperitif Dressage Show, May 17, 2015 at bridle Trails
State Park.
May 15, 2015 theHORSE.com published a second edited press release form the ODA
reporting no new EHV-1 cases this week. Article titled “No New EHV-1 Cases Reported in
Oregon this Week,” in Topics: Horse Industry News.
Resources: This list is buy no means exhaustive, but does contain some helpful sites. Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA)
https://www.facebook.com/mypetsvet
Washington State Veterinarian’s Office
http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/AnimalHealth/HotTopics.aspx
Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine
http://oregonstate.edu/ua/ncs/archives/2015/may/more-horses-found-equine-herpesvirus-including-most-serious-form
Oregon Veterinary Medical Association
https://www.facebook.com/oregonvma
theHORSE.com http://www.thehorse.com
Alberta Equestrian Federation
US Department of Agriculture
American Association of Equine Practitioners
The full text and affidavit of the message sent to riders, trainers, and owners
participating in L’Aperitif, May 17, 2015 at Bridle Trails State Park, Kirkland, WA. To All Riders, Trainers and Owners in the 2015 L’Aperitif Dressage Show at Bridle Trails State Park
In the wake of the recent EHV reports in Oregon, in the interest of horse safety, and to comply with current advice from our State of Washington Vet for Horse Show and Event Managers, we require all participants to take the two actions described below. These actions are strictly precautionary and in the practice of sound biosecurity. Please see the EI website for additional references and information.
First, the adult person (trainer, owner or rider) responsible for the horse competing at L’Aperitif must sign below to certify that the horse you are bringing to this show did not attend the OHSET meet at Linn County (Oregon) Fair Grounds on April 16-­‐19, 2015 nor the rodeo event at the Oregon Horse Center (High Prairie Arena), Eugene, OR on April 25-­‐26, nor has it been on the same premises with any horse that attended either of these events. Next, we ask that you monitor and record your horse’s temperature twice daily beginning tomorrow, Thursday, May 14, and culminating with a temperature check on Sunday morning prior to departure for the show. Bring this temperature log with you to the show. If your horse has a fever of 102°F or greater, do not bring the horse (nor the temperature log) to the show. At the show, if a horse demonstrates symptoms of fever it is your responsibility to notify management, comply with biosecurity measures, and cooperate with Management, the Technical Delegate, and Show Veterinarian. It is understood that some (most) horses with a fever might not have EHV-­‐1; however, in the interest of conducting a safe event and practicing biosecurity, the “No Fever” policy will be enforced. If you do not wish to comply with these safety measures, please do not attend the event. It is in everyone's best interests to practice good biosecurity at shows. Please contact your vet for recommendations and additional information on bio-­‐safe horse showing.
A FORM MUST BE FILED FOR EVERY HORSE AT THE EVENT, SIGNED BY THE ADULT PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT HORSE AT THE SHOW.
ONE HORSE, ONE FORM, ONE SIGNATURE, ONE SET OF TEMPERATURES
*** You cannot attend if you do not bring the form ****
By signing this form, I certify that I have read the preceding instructions. I certify I will not bring any horse onto the show grounds who was at the OHSET meet at Linn County Fair Grounds on April 16-­‐19, 2015 and/or the rodeo event at the Oregon Horse Center (High Prairie Arena), Eugene, OR on April 25-­‐26 or has had any contact with a horse that attended either event. I also acknowledge instructions from Show Management to monitor my horse(s) temperature twice daily, beginning Thursday, May 14, through Sunday morning, May 17 (six to seven temps)> I have read and understand the 'No Fever' policy. There are no refunds if any horse must leave the show due to fever.
Signature of adult person responsible ____________________________________ Horse Name _____________________________________________ L’Aperitif Entry #____________ Date___________
Temperature log:
TH. AM______ TH.PM ______ FR.AM______ FR.PM_______ SAT.AM______ SAT.PM_______ SUN.AM______
Print and bring completed form with you to the show. Competition number cannot be issued without it.