[ad_1]
Barry Pitman, a veterinarian from the state of Utah, recommends horse owners take protective measures to ward off a potentially deadly outbreak of equine herpes.
Fears of an epidemic reaching Utah have resulted in the cancellation of several high school rodeos, owners trying to prevent the spread of the virus, resulting in the euthanasia of more than 160 horses in 2011-12.
"First of all, there has been no confirmed case of EHV-1 or EHM in the state of Utah," said Pittman. "However, if we consider the cases in the surrounding states, the nature of the virus and the mixing and stress levels of the horses in the event circuits, we are certainly exposed to future cases."
In March, the Equine Disease Communication Center reported three locals, two in New York and one in Washington, affected by the equine herpes virus. Seven sites recorded cases of mutant strain of the virus in March in Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, California and Nevada. The mutant strain is called myeloencephalopathy of the equine herpes virus, which affects the central nervous system.
In April, sporadic cases occurred in other states as well as in Canada.
Although almost all horses are infected with the virus at a young age and are symptomless carriers, the virus can be reactivated under the effect of stress during events involving strenuous exercise, long-distance transport or weaning, said Pittman.
"That means there will never be any perfectly clear, no extra risk – as long as the horses are gathered from multiple geographical locations," said Pittman.
He urged horse owners across the state to seek information from trusted sources, contact officials of the events they plan to participate in, strengthen animal health checks and stay at home. They do not feel comfortable traveling with their horses.
Pittman, who works for the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, attributes the biosecurity measures taken by the organizers to events in Utah, postponing or taking action. 39, cancellation of certain events and the voluntary withdrawal of certain events as multiple factors that have kept the contagious virus out of the state until now. .
Equine herpes is not a sexually transmitted disease and goes through the nose between horses, mules or infected burros. It is also spread by contaminated material, such as blankets or buckets. Humans can not catch it.
Symptoms include fever, decreased coordination, runny nose, loss of tail tone, weakness of the hind limbs and support against a fence or wall to maintain balance. The animals become lethargic and can not get out of the ground.
Pittman said that a horse from southern Utah had participated in a stallion contest in Las Vegas, had probably been exposed and had to be euthanized.
The veterinarian responsible for testing on this animal also excluded the mutant strain of herpes and West Nile virus. Additional tests are in progress. Pittman said athletes athletes accumulating competitive points or trying to get scholarships on the rodeo circuit are the most affected.
In Nevada, Steve Stallworth, general manager of the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center, said he "will be extremely cautious" but will continue to organize upcoming events as planned.
"Safety and security is a priority," Stallworth said in a statement. "We are working closely with the state veterinarian and our own internal veterinarian to ensure that all necessary precautions and disinfection measures have been applied to the entire establishment."
Additional information is available online at the Equine Disease Communication Center.
contributing: Associated press
pics
[ad_2]
Source link