EHV Newsroom: New Jersey Fifth State with Equine Herpes Virus Case, Quarantine

One horse euthanized, barn quarantined

Note: As of February 25, New Jersey has issued no notification of additional cases. In news from other states, please refer to these links:

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The State of New Jersey issued an announcement today (February 19) to alert horse owners in that state to the presence of a quarantine for equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM) caused by equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1).

The quarantine is at an unnamed farm in Westampton, New Jersey, northeast of Philadelphia. The town straddles the New Jersey Turnpike roughly mid way between New York and Philadelphia.

As always, the official news from the state veterinarian’s office is shared by The Jurga Report.

Please direct all inquiries to local veterinarians and state authorities. 

Here is the official announcement:

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has quarantined a Westampton farm after a 5-year-old horse was diagnosed with the highly infectious equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM) caused by equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) respiratory strain. EHM is the often deadly, neurologic form of EHV-1 infection.

The horse had rapid progression of clinical signs typical of EHV-1 including front and rear lack of muscle control, hind limb weakness, stumbling and right facial paralysis. The animal was humanely euthanized on February 14.

A 21-day quarantine was placed on the barn on the property and biosecurity measures are in effect for the duration of the quarantine. All remaining horses will have their temperature monitored twice a day. Horse movement in and out of the premises has been analyzed and traces are being followed. To date, none of the other animals have shown signs of illness.

“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 farm and puts in place preventive measures to contain the virus,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher.

In 2013, there were three cases of EHM in New Jersey. There were no cases in 2014.

The EHV-1 virus spreads quickly from horse to horse, has a high morbidity and can cause a wide range of symptoms, from a complete lack of clinical signs to respiratory problems, especially in young horses, and spontaneous abortions in pregnant mares. The neurologic form of EHV-1, additionally, can cause an acute paralytic syndrome, which results in a high mortality. 

The incubation period of EHV-1 is typically 2 to 10 days. The virus spreads readily through direct contact with infected materials. While highly infectious, the virus does not persist in the environment and is neutralized by hand soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizers and sunlight. The virus does not affect humans and other domestic animals, with the exception of llamas and alpacas.

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. EHMis a reportable disease in New Jersey. If an owner has a horse that is 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 www.jerseyvetlab.nj.gov or call 609-406-6999.

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The Jurga Report will post updates as they become available, either in a new article or by updating this article. Also check for news on the Fran Jurga News and Media Facebook page.

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