Photo by FEI/Jon Stroud.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has closed the Miami Animal Import Center to new arrivals after quarantined horses became sick at the facility. The closure began Saturday Jan. 19, and will last until March 31, 2019.
So far six horses have fallen ill and three have died of what officials believe to be salmonella. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and lameness. APHIS is currently investigating to determine the cause, and the shutdown is an effort to stop any possible spread.
Salmonella is a bacteria that causes intestinal disease in many mammals. According to the AAEP Infectious Disease Guidelines, it is easily transmitted through both horse-to-horse contact as well as through other vehicles of transport such as pitchforks, water buckets, etc.
The facility currently is undergoing environmental testing, with the samples being sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories for evaluation. Officials have not yet released the status of the three horses with symptoms. Other horses still under quarantine are being closely monitored.
The APHIS and the import center have begun to increase biosecurity and disinfection efforts. In addition to a complete disinfection of the 95 quarantine stalls before reopening, the facility will also have its operating procedures reviewed. APHIS also confirmed that employees of the import center are exempted from the furlough due to the government shutdown.
[USDA Temporarily Closes Miami Animal Import Center to New Arrivals of Horses]
