March 2, 2018
From VDACS-
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS, Contact: Elaine Lidholm, 804.786.7686, www.vdacs.virginia.gov
For Immediate Release
March 1, 2018
No Additional Exposed Virginia Horses in Confirmed Equine Herpesvirus-1 Cases
~No Virginia horses have had any contact with either property, including trail riders~
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has completed its epidemiological investigation after a diagnosis of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in two horses in central Virginia. As reported on February 28, 2018, the State Veterinarian’s Office at VDACS confirmed that two horses exhibiting neurological signs were euthanized and tested positive for Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), the virus that causes EHM.
There is no link between the two horses and the timing of the EHM finding is coincidental. One horse was housed at the Hazelwild Equestrian Center in Fredericksburg and the second was located on a private farm in Powhatan County. Both facilities have been placed under quarantine. All exposed horses are being monitored twice daily for fever (temperature over 101.50 F) and other clinical signs.
No additional Virginia horses have been exposed. Several horses from Maryland visited the Hazelwild Equestrian Center last weekend for an Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) show; the farms in Maryland associated with these horses have been quarantined and all horses will be monitored. The immediate neighbor of the Powhatan County farm is voluntarily quarantining their horses due to casual contact. No Virginia horses have had any contact with either property, including trail riders.
There is no cause for alarm concerning the general horse population in Virginia. EHV-1 is a virus that is present in the environment and found in most horses all over the world. Horses typically are exposed to the virus at a young age with no serious side effects. A large percent of horses carry the virus with no clinical signs for the remainder of their lives. Rarely, exposed horses develop the neurologic form of the disease. Horse owners with concerns should contact their veterinarian.
The Equine Disease Communications Center Biosecurity web pages equinediseasecc.org/biosecurity have more information on best practices for disease prevention in horses and VDACS has more information on EHV-1 at vdacs.virginia.gov/animals-equine-herpes-virus.shtml. Horse owners also may contact VDACS’ Office of Veterinary Services at804.786.2483.
###
Elaine J. Lidholm
Director of Communications
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
102 Governor Street
Richmond VA 23219
804.786.7686
|
|
|
|
|
6/13/17
Click below to see the facts about Potomac Fever in a nutshell- it is NOT considered to be contagious horse to horse. We have treated several cases recently so please make sure your horses are up to date on their vaccines, and don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions- 540-364-4950
AAEP Potomac Fever Info
5/1/17
Dear Clients,
With increased reports of positive Potomac Horse Fever cases in and around our area we are recommending everyone to start their fall vaccines earlier this year with a strong suggestion to boost Potomac Horse Fever, West Nile and Flu/Rhino. Now is the time to get started and to make sure your horse is as protected as possible!
Contact the office to schedule your appointment- 540-364-4950
piedmontequinepractice.com/news
04/01/2017
GLOBAL VETLINK COGGINS HERE’S THE LINK TO GET YOUR COGGINS ONLINE, ANYTIME…CUSTOMER SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE AT 515-817-5704 www.myvetlink.com
03/01/17: Merial Rebates
New program- no wrappers or box tops to save! merialequinerebates.com
03/24/2017 USEF 2017 Drug Updates
Click below for the new drug and medication guidelines-https://www.usef.org/_iframes/drugs/rules.aspx
06/30/2016: Learn all about ColiCare from Smartpak Have you heard about ColiCare, SmartPak’s FREE colic surgery coverage program? Find out how you could be eligible for up to $7,500 of colic surgery reimbursement! smartpakequine.com/colicare
07/22/2015: Click to see Dr. Krista’s Presentation on Equine Emergencies
04/28/2014: Cindy Suhonen It is with great sadness that we must inform you that our office manager, Cindy Suhonen passed away on Saturday morning, April 26th. She had been with us from the beginning of Piedmont Equine in 1996, and was our first employee. She will be greatly missed in so many ways. Cindy’s family has asked that any memorial contributions go to Middleburg Humane Foundation-http://middleburghumane.businesscatalyst.com/donate-now.html
