On January 23, 2008, Dr. Sara Busch, Delaware State Veterinarian, was informed that a horse in the Felton/Frederica area has tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), a highly infectious viral disease of horses.

The horse showed signs of illness on January 17th. Nasal swabs were taken and sent to Cornell University for PCR tests. The horse was euthanized on January 17th. Clinical signs of the disease include high fever, neurological symptoms and nasal discharge. The virus can spread through the air, contaminated equipment, clothing and hands.

The State Veterinarian’s Office and the owners of the horse are implementing immediate biosecurity measures and protocols to prevent the spread of the disease into Delaware’s equine community.

The horse farm has been placed under quarantine.

(This information is provided by the state government agriculture office in Delaware; watch for more updates!)