According to the University web site’s special page about the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) outbreak, 21 of 80 horses are now affected, and five have shown neurological symptoms of the disease. No horses have been euthanized, and all are expected to recover.

Please scroll down to the January 9 story on this blog about the outbreak at UConn and the horses housed at the facility.

Today’s UConn announcement states: “Some of the horses that are ill at the UCONN facility have exhibited fever and respiratory disease and some have exhibited the neurological form of the disease. Affected horses are being tested and treated to minimize discomfort. In the meantime, the stables are being sanitized regularly and coursework directly involving the horses, polo practice and other activities has been temporarily suspended.”

The University of Connecticut has announced that it will host a symposium on equine disease outbreaks and EHV in particular. The New England Conference on Equine Health and Management will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2007 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.at the Ratcliffe Hicks Arena at UConn’s Storrs Campus. A registration fee of $5 will be charged.

Sponsored by the University of Connecticut College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Animal Science,the conference will feature Dr. Sanchez of Tufts University, who is handling the current UConn EHV outbreak. Additional speakeres will be Dr. Sandra Bushmich on biosecurity and Dr. Jenifer Nadeau on best management practices for disaster preparedness. Other topics will include senior equine management, podiatry, horse manure management, etc.

For more information, contact Dr. Jenifer Nadeau (jenifer.nadeau@uconn.edu) or call her office: 860 486 4471.