Below you will find the press release just issued by the Florida Dept of Agriculture concerning the EHV-1 quarantine being lifted . If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call. Thanks and have a great weekend!
Tallahassee, FL – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services today lifted the quarantine affecting more than 1,000 horses that had been exposed to Equine Herpes Virus 1 (EHV-1) at the Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) show grounds in Ocala.
“We appreciate the cooperation of those who were affected by the quarantine,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Together, we were able to treat the horses affected and prevent this potentially fatal disease from infecting other horses in Florida or around the country.”
The department confirmed the first positive case of EHV-1 on February 20 involving a horse that had been at the HITS show grounds. The case was referred to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine after showing clinical neurological signs. A second horse exposed on the HITS show grounds also developed neurological signs and was referred to the College and isolated for treatment. Both horses have recovered and tested negative to three consecutive tests and are being moved out of isolation.
Eight more cases of EHV-1 that were linked to the horse show were confirmed in Florida. The department issued a quarantine order to the entire venue hosting the event and other areas where exposed horses had traveled. In all, horses on 15 sites, including the show grounds, were placed under quarantine as a result of exposure to positive cases. Other horses are being released as they meet quarantine release requirements.
Horses under quarantine were monitored for signs of the virus infection, including fever and nasal discharge. The department worked with management, trainers and veterinarians on the site to help prevent the further spread of disease.
EHV-1 is a contagious virus that affects horses and can result in neurological disease, respiratory disease, abortion and neonatal death. The virus is spread by direct horse-to-horse contact via the respiratory tract through nasal secretions or contact with physical objects contaminated with the virus. The virus does not affect humans.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recommends the equine community continue to practice prudent bio-security on their farms to avoid the spread of any disease. Suspected cases of EHV-1 should be reported to the department by calling (850) 410-0900 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or (800) 342-5869 after hours and on weekends.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visitwww.FreshFromFlorida.com.