Idaho State Department of Agriculture urges pause on horse events after out-of-state EHV-1 outbreak

Idaho State Department of Agriculture officials are urging horse owners and event organizers to hit pause on upcoming equine events and avoid transporting horses for now, after multiple cases of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) were confirmed in horses that attended recent competitions in Texas and Oklahoma.

There are no confirmed EHV-1 cases in Idaho at this time, according to the ISDA. But because the virus can spread easily and can be deadly, the Idaho State Veterinarian is strongly recommending a temporary halt to hauling horses.

EHV-1 affects horses’ respiratory and neurological systems. It spreads through direct horse-to-horse contact, shared airspace, contaminated clothing, and other surfaces. Symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, or neurological symptoms such as stumbling, incoordination, loss of tail tone, and hind-limb weakness.

EHV-1 cases have been reported in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Idaho horse owners who attended or were near those competitions are asked to contact the Idaho State Veterinarian. Exposed horses should quarantine for 21 days and be monitored for symptoms. This virus is not transmissible to humans.

More guidance is available here.