JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – Horse owners across Arkansas should keep their animals at home as an outbreak of deadly equine herpes continues to spread in neighboring states.
Agriculture departments in three states issued warnings about contagious outbreaks of EHV-1.
Arkansas has not confirmed any cases as of Thursday, according to state officials.
“For the most part, people should keep their horses at home until we know more about the situation,” said Mark Russell, professor and extension horse specialist at the University of Arkansas’ System Division of Agriculture.
This virus can cause death through neurological complications, paralysis and respiratory problems.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture wants all horse events postponed for two weeks.
Arkansas horse owners are already taking action. The El Dorado-Union County Chamber canceled horses from its Christmas parade, while the White County Barn closed through December 1. The UA-Monticello rodeo team postponed its final competition in Kentucky.
The ADA recommends:
- Postpone or cancel non-essential horse events during this period.
- Monitor horses closely for any signs of fever, nasal discharge, or neurological symptoms.
- Practice strict biosecurity measures, including limiting horse-to-horse contact, disinfecting equipment, and restricting access to visitors.
- Isolate any horse showing signs of illness and contact a licensed veterinarian immediately.
The department said it will continue to monitor the situation and update the public as needed.
The outbreak began at the World Championship Barrel Finals near Waco, Texas on November 5–9. Two cases of EHV-1 were confirmed in horses competing in the Barrel Futurities of America World Championship at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Symptoms, treatment and prevention
“EHV is caused by herpesvirus infection in horses,” said Dr. Jeremy Powell, a veterinarian and professor of animal science in the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
“EHV spreads easily between horses through direct nose-to-nose contact, or infection can spread through aerosolized droplets during coughing or sneezing,” he said. “Indirect transmission can also occur through shared water and feed buckets, nails, clothing or shoes.”
When horses become infected, “Typically, we can see a variety of clinical signs that may include fever, nasal discharge, cough, lethargy or weakness, neurological signs and abortion in pregnant mares,” he said. “These may be variable with infection.”
“When horses become infected, veterinarians can provide supportive care and symptomatic treatment, but there is no cure,” Powell said. “Horses that have recovered from the disease can become latent carriers of the infection.”
Powell said that the infection can be prevented.
“Horses may be routinely vaccinated for this disease, so owners may want to check with their veterinarian,” he said.
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