The Maryland State Veterinarian, Dr. Elizabeth Trout, today urged competition organizers and horse owners to take precautions in light of the current EHV/EHM outbreak in horses that were at, or associated with, barrel racing and rodeo-type events in Texas and Oklahoma.
Dr. Trout said:
“The MDA Animal Health Program is deeply concerned about the recent EHV/EHM outbreak. We are actively coordinating with officials in Texas and Oklahoma to identify and address any potential tracebacks to Maryland. At this time, we have one unrelated case in the state, which was humanely euthanized last week.”
MDA asks the owners of horses that traveled to Texas, Oklahoma, or other equine events where EHV exposure may have occurred, to contact MDA directly at 410-841-5810. MDA will provide owners guidance on quarantines and monitoring. MDA will also contact the owners of horses that have traced to the exposure directly and may issue State Hold Orders to mitigate further spread of the disease.
MDA asks horse owners consult with their veterinarians about the risks associated with travel to upcoming equine events. Many states may be implementing movement restrictions or new import requirements for equines during this outbreak.
EHV/EHM can be shed by infected horses for long periods of time. It is spread from horse to horse through contact with nasal discharge or spread as aerosol droplets. Infected horses may not show clinical signs of the virus but may still act as carriers.
Horses can also contract the virus by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces such as stalls, water, feed, tack, and transport vehicles. People can spread the virus from horse to horse by contaminated hands and clothing.
It is important for owners to watch for signs and symptoms and to practice effective biosecurity measures. Effective biosecurity practices include extensive cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment that come in contact with affected horses, and individuals who treat or come into contact with infected horses need to follow appropriate disinfection protocols when handling multiple horses.
“We strongly urge horse owners and event organizers to take heightened precautions – monitor animals closely for clinical signs, practice strict biosecurity measures, and require short-term (72-hour) health certificates. During this elevated risk period, please consider postponing or cancelling equine events to safeguard Maryland’s horse industry.” Dr. Jennifer Trout.
Please see MDA’s letter about the outbreak here, and follow equiery.com for further updates.
