The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has quarantined a property in Monmouth County after a horse developed the highly infectious equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM). The 18-year-old standardbred mare was euthanized on Dec. 18.
EHM is the often deadly neurologic form of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) infection. Other horses in the premises are under quarantine. Temperatures are being taken twice daily on all quarantined horses to monitor for sickness, according to a press release from the department.
In accordance with department policy, administrators said they could not reveal the exact location of the farm.
“The department took swift action to prevent the disease from spreading to other horses by enacting a quarantine, which stops movement of horses in and out of the property and puts in place preventive measures to contain the virus,” New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher said.
The EHV-1 organism spreads quickly from horse to horse and can cause respiratory problems, especially in young horses, spontaneous abortions in pregnant mares, and the neurologic form of the virus can result in death, according to the press release.
The incubation period of EHV-1 is typically two to 10 days. Clinical signs include respiratory disease, fever, nasal discharge, depression, cough, lack of appetite, and/or enlarged lymph nodes.
In horses infected with the neurologic strain of EHV-1, clinical signs typically include mild incoordination, hind end weakness/paralysis, loss of bladder and tail function, and loss of sensation to the skin in the hind end.
The virus spreads readily through direct contact with infected materials. While highly infectious, the virus does not persist in the environment for an extended period and is neutralized by hand soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizers and sunlight. The virus does not affect humans and other domestic animals, except for llamas and alpacas, according to the press release.
Concerned owners should consult with their veterinarian prior to taking any action as the clinical signs of infection with the neurological form of EHV-1 (EHM) are common to many other diseases.
EHM is a reportable disease in New Jersey. If an owner has a horse exhibiting neurologic signs or suspects Equine Herpes, they are directed to call their veterinarian immediately.
The NJDA Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory provides testing for the neurologic form of EHV-1. For more information, visit https://jerseyvetlab.nj.gov/ or call 609-406-6999
