news desk Lord, save her
Texas Animal Health Authority (TAHC) confirmed infection with equine herpes simplex (EHM), a neurological disease associated with equine herpes virus-1 (EHV-1), at the Hood County Quarter Horse on February 9, 2023. This is the first positive detection of EHM in Texas this year.
The horse was tested after showing neurological signs, including poor muscle control in the hind limbs. The local veterinary clinic immediately placed the horse in an isolated quarantine, where he remained
throughout the course of treatment. The horse of origin has been quarantined and TAHC staff is working closely with the owner and local veterinarian to monitor other horses and enforce biosecurity measures on the premises.
Positive horse EHM attended the National Western Stock Show rodeo event in Denver, Colorado on January 20-21, 2023, and returned to his home quarters after the event. The horse has not been to any other events that would have featured the additional horses. A Colorado State Veterinarian was contacted regarding this case.
Horse owners who attend the event should work with their veterinary practitioner for incorporation
appropriate monitoring and diagnostic plans, and are encouraged to take precautions.
- Clean and disinfect nails, shoes, equipment, and personal care items.
- Upon return to your farm, isolate horses that attended the event for at least two weeks.
- Monitor temperatures twice daily for at least 14 days after last known exposure. if
If a fever or other signs consistent with EHM develop, contact your veterinarian. - when doing food and housework, working with the horses that finally come back, wearing boots and greatcoats,
Remove them before working with your other horses. - Don’t forget to wash your hands.
EHM is an equine neurological disease associated with the equine herpes virus. Clinical signs of EHM in horses may include: fever of 102°F or greater (fever often comes before nervous signs), nasal discharge, lack of coordination, hind quarter weakness, bending or lying against a fence or wall to maintain balance, lethargy, Urinary dripping, head tilting, diminished tail tone, and penile paralysis.
