The Florida Department of Agriculture has issued warnings regarding the Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EVH-1) outbreak in horses in western states.
Florida horse owners are warned to lock down any horses that were at the World Pro Rodeo Association (WPRA) event held Nov. 5-9 in Waco, Texas or the Barrels Futurities of America event held Nov. 17-18 in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Horses that were at either event should be isolated from other horses for 21 days.
So far, no cases of the disease have been reported in Florida, but a Florida rodeo has been cancelled as a precaution.
Eight cases have been confirmed in Texas. Three cases have been confirmed in Oklahoma. Three cases have been confirmed in Louisianna.
Horse owners are asked to report any suspected EHV-1 cases by calling 850-410-0900 weekdays or 800-342-5869 after business hours or on weekends, or email RAD@FDACS.gov.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, EHV symptoms include fever, difficulty urinating, nasal discharge and cough, depression, head tilt, loss of tail tone, stumbling or weakness in the hind limbs, down and unable to rise and spontaneous abortion in pregnant mares.
The virus does not pose a risk to humans.
