The Florida Department of Agriculture has issued some information on the EHV-1 outbreak. Click here to read the PDF. Thanks to reader Julie D. for the link!
Some points included:
- The horse at HITS was sent to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and tested positive for EHV-1 wild-type strain. The horse is currently in stable condition and no other confirmed cases have been reported at this time.
- A disease investigation has begun, which includes the HITS showgrounds, the local index farm, and other premises that house horses which may have been exposed. There are currently 7 locations under state quarantine: Tent 7 at HITS, the index farm, two other Ocala farms, one in Pinellas Park, one in St. Augustine, and one in Wellington. At this point there are no known exposed horses in other states.
- Additional state movement restrictions have NOT been imposed. However, horse owners and trainers should contact your local show venues and facilities for any additional requirements.
- Please practice prudent bio-security on your farm and report any suspected cases of EHV-1 to by calling 850-410-0900 Monday through Friday 8:00am-5:00pm and 1-800-342-5869 after hours and weekends.
We’re not quite sure how this situation is going to affect other upcoming Florida events. Rocking Horse has announced via their facebook page: “Due to the recent diagnosis of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) in Ocala, we have decided to air on the side of caution and close all schooling at Rocking Horse at this time.” Hopefully this outbreak will be limited to one unfortunate horse and the spread of the virus will remain contained. We will continue to post updates here on EN as we learn more.
