The California Department of Food and Agriculture published an update today a group of horses at a single location in Orange County (south of Los Angeles); so far eight horses there have tested positive for EHV-1.

“Three new cases of neuropathogenic Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) have been confirmed on the Orange County quarantined premises. There are a total of eight confirmed positive horses on the premises. At this point in time, only one of the eight cases has displayed neurologic signs. All exposed horses on the property are being monitored and enhanced biosecurity measures have been implemented. The source of the outbreak has not been identified. The initial epidemiologic investigation reveals?no link to the three 2011 California neuropathogenic EHV-1 incidents.”

While it sounds like the outbreak has been contained, California horseowners should be following the news and be prepared to take precautionary measures when and if the situation changes to include additional locations.

The Jurga Report will try to keep the horse world up to date on any new cases that emerge, whether in California or any other state. Be aware of the risks of disease to your horse’s health and also consider the impact that a quarantine would have on your horse’s stable or farm.