Suspected cases of EHV-1/EHM should also be reported to the department. Horse owners concerned about the health of their horses should contact their local veterinarian. Horses infected with EHV-1 may also have respiratory signs such as cough, nasal discharge, lethargy, and decreased appetite. Neurologic signs can include incoordination, difficulty walking, weakness, paralysis, inability to stand, poor tail tone, and difficulty urinating. Horse owners who have attended events in the Flathead Valley in recent weeks should monitor their animals for fever (temperature greater than 101.5˚ F) or development of any neurologic signs for two weeks after their last travel. “Disease spread in apparently healthy horses is an important consideration in our recommendation for the cancellation of equine events,” said Montana State Veterinarian, Dr. The department reports that several of the affected horses had no travel history, but herd mates - who remain without symptoms - attended events where they were exposed and therefore, likely contributed to disease spread at their home locations and other equine events. The fifth animal is exhibiting mild clinical signs and is under quarantine.Įxposed horses from the affected premises are also subject to quarantine for 21 days beyond the last date of potential exposure. Four of the confirmed and suspected cases have been euthanized due to the severity of the disease. The date of the department's recommendation spans 14 days which is one full incubation period (time from exposure to the development of clinical signs) of EHV-1 beyond the known travel history of involved horses.ĭOL officials note if additional cases of EHV-1 are detected, this date will be extended.Īccording to DOL, five cases of EHV-1/EHM (three confirmed and two suspected) have been reported on three separate premises to date. The recommendation is based on the involvement of horses on three premises that attended events at two or more event centers in the area. The DOL recommends these actions take place through Feb. HELENA - The Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) is recommending that horse owners and event coordinators limit travel and cancel events that bring horses from multiple sources following multiple confirmed cases of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in Flathead County.
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