Dec. 14, 2006 - State Officials in Florida are investigating a possible outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus – type 1 (EHV-1) in the Wellington, Florida area. Affected animals have been associated with the importation of horses through the USDA New York animal import station. Laboratory confirmation is still pending.

Thus far, 2 horses have been euthanized and other animals have had clinical signs. Two quarantines have been placed while state and federal officials are investigating the cause of the disease and working with affected industry to prevent further spread of the disease.

No other state or federal restrictions have been placed on horse movements into, within, or out of Florida.

Although EHV-1 can be a serious disease of horses and the virus can spread through the air for respiratory infection, transmission generally requires direct or close contact between horses. Horses with clinical signs should be isolated and kept 40 feet or more from other horses.

Owners with sick horses should contact their private veterinarian to examine and treat their horses. Veterinarians suspecting EHV-1 with neurological signs are advised to contact state officials.

Vaccines are available and concerned owners should discuss whether vaccination of their animals is recommended, the type of vaccines available, and the frequency of recommended vaccination with their veterinarian.
For more information, please see the following web sites:

My Horse Matters.com
Univ of Kentucky

Dec. 15th -

Horse virus fears leave equestrians awaiting test results - PalmBeachPost.com

Michael A. Short, DVM, Veterinarian Manager – Equine Programs for the Florida Department of Agriculture Provides the Latest Information at HorsesDaily.com

Horse Health Alert - Vaccinate for EHV. The Equine Herpes Virus Appears to Have Traveled to Wellington and California - HorsesDaily.com

Dec. 14th -

TheHorse.com - Wellington Outbreak Details Coming into Focus

Outbreak of horse virus cancels AGA event at Palm Beach Polo - Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Wellington horse show canceled over virus fears - Palm Beach Post