Concerns are easing — somewhat — about the spread of a dangerous virus affecting horses.
Late last month, the Kansas Department of Agriculture issued an Animal Health Alert for Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy after several horses contracted the virus, apparently at the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Finals in Waco, Texas. The outbreak has led to over 60 confirmed cases in eight states, including at least five horse deaths just in Texas, and the shortening or cancellation of several horse-related events.
Dr Gregg Hanzlicek, the Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory’s associate director, says Kansas had one case in a horse in the eastern half of the state in mid-November. There is no apparent connection to the Texas outbreak.
Hanzlicek says health officials are still monitoring developments. The virus spread has slowed down, but horse owners should still look for several symptoms, including a fever over 101.5 degrees, nasal discharge, lethargy, hind-end weakness and any neurological issues. This version of equine herpes, which carries up to 30 percent lethality rates, is spread through horse-to-horse contact by nasal discharge, inhalation of airborne droplets or contaminated surfaces. Humans can inadvertently spread the disease through contaminated hands, clothes and equipment.
Residents with questions can call the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601.
