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SALT LAKE CITY — Four horse facilities in Box Elder, Davis, Kane and Utah counties are under quarantine due to cases of equine herpes, with a total of seven confirmed infected animals.
New numbers released Monday by state veterinarian Dr. Bruce King say eight more horses are "suspect," but they are confined to those same barns.
- Fever
- Decreased coordination
- Nasal discharge
- Loss of tail tone
- Hind limb weakness and inability to rise
- Horses may also lean against structures such as a fence or barn to maintain balance
Two animals had to be euthanized after they went down and were unable to return to their feet, he said. Previous information released indicated one of the quarantined places was in Weber County, but the facility is actually in Davis County.
The outbreak was detected earlier this month on the heels of a regional cutting horse competition at the Golden Spike Arena in Ogden. Equine herpes, which is not transmitted to humans, is extremely contagious, with this emergent form attacking the animal's central nervous system.
Multiple equine events throughout the country and Canada have been canceled to help prevent the spread of the disease. The Ogden event drew participants from more than two dozen states and some parts of Canada. An alert issued by the California Department of Agriculture says the state has documented 17 cases, with 16 of those involving horses that attended the Ogden event. One has had to be euthanized and other suspect cases are under review.
In Colorado, agricultural officials there are reporting nine confirmed cases, with two horses dead. Another 22 cases have been termed "suspect," with tests results pending. A dozen quarantine or hold orders have been placed on facilities in eight counties, and state fair organizers have voluntarily suspended any equine-related events.
King says any horses that attended the Ogden competition should be isolated from other horses and have their temperature checked at least twice daily.
King has not called for the cancellation of any event in Utah, but is urging owners to check with sponsors to determine if the event is still going to be held.
Symptoms include fever, decreased coordination, nasal discharge, loss of tail tone, hind limb weakness and inability to rise. Horses may also lean against structures such as a fence or barn to maintain balance. The disease is spread through horse to horse contact, such as rubbing noses, or through contaminated equipment such as tack.
At this time, the state has not changed the importation requirements for any horses, mules or burros entering the state.
Email:aodonoghue@ksl.com
