Source:  Various

 

An outbreak of the Equine Herpes virus  has begun following a Western Regional Championship cutting event last weekend in Ogden, Utah.

 

The outbreak has caused organizers of the Breeders International (BI) cutting event in Tulsa, Oklahoma, scheduled for the coming week, to postpone it out of consideration for the health of the animals.  

 

Colorado State University Professor, Jerry Black, DVM, told KHJR Television in Tulsa:

 

"I commend the BI on the decision they have made to make the welfare of the horse the priority. While I expect the risk in Tulsa may have been minimal, I do believe the decision was a prudent one," said Black, who urged horse-owners and trainers to quarantine any horses that may have been exposed to EHV. "To be on the absolute safe side, any horses that have attended events where EHV is suspected to have been present should be quarantined separate and apart from un-exposed horses for a minimum of 10 to 14 days."

Horses attending the cutting in Ogden came from several western states including California, Colorado and Washington. At least two horses in Washington are currently hospitalized with suspected cases, and animals in California are also considered likely to have developed the disease.