Positive horse in Idaho may have exposed Nevada horses
Two horses in Clark County are showing clinical signs of Equine Herpes Virus – Type 1 (EHV-1), according to
Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) State Veterinarian JJ Goicoechea. In addition, a new positive case in Idaho was at a recent barrel racing event in Utah and may have exposed other horses.
“Two horses in Clark County are being tested today for EHV-1,” Dr. Goicoechea said. “In the meantime, I am recommending, along with my counterparts in Arizona, Idaho and Utah, that horse owners do not travel to barrel racing events in the region.”
Dr. Goicoechea and state veterinarians in neighboring states continue to monitor in cooperation with horse event and venue managers. At this time, only barrel racing events, a specific rodeo competition event, are included in the recommendation.
“We may issue more recommendations throughout the day and weekend,” Dr. Goicoechea said. “But if you don’t have to travel with your horse this weekend, it’s best to stay home and protect your horse, as well as the rest of the competing horses in the west.”
EHV-1 is a reportable disease, meaning when veterinarians diagnose it, they are required to notify the Nevada Department of Agriculture, per NRS 571.160. A list of
reportable diseases can be found at
agri.nv.gov.
State veterinarian says: continue to monitor horses, practice biosecurity
Dr. Goicoechea continues to recommend best biosecurity practices as event season is underway, and always monitor horses for signs of disease, like fever or runny nose.
Biosecurity means doing everything possible to reduce chances of an infectious disease being transferred by people, animals, equipment or vehicles. EHV-1 and other diseases can be easily transferred on boots, coats, gloves and equipment. Some basic practices include:
- Never share equipment between horses, and always wear clean clothes when going from ill horses to others.
- Always start chores at healthy horses, and end with sick or recovering (within 30 days) horses.
- Avoid common areas such as hitching rails, wash racks, etc. during an outbreak.
The
Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) promotes a business climate that is fair, economically viable and encourages a sustainable environment that serves to protect food, fiber and human health and safety through effective service and education. The NDA includes the divisions of Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition and Plant Industry.