Source:  Various

DVM360.com is reporting that 10 new cases of the EHV-1 virus have been confirmed in the state of California.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has requested that all 54 horses within the state which attended the NCHA Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah April 30 to May 8 be quarantined and closely monitored for signs of the disease.

DVM360.com quotes the CDFA report:

"One horse in Kern County was euthanized after showing severe neurologic signs often associated with the disease.  All of the infected horses recently attended the National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championships in Odgen, Utah on April 30-May 8, 2011, where they were most likely exposed to the virus. All California horses that have been in contact with an infected horse and show signs of disease or test positive for (equine herpes myeloencephalopathy) will be placed under a CDFA quarantine in order to limit spread."

Multiple confirmed cases have been reported in Colorado (6) and Washington (2), and unconfirmed reports indicate cases in Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, and Alberta.

In Washington state, officials at a large equestrian facility located in the central region of the state have declared a voluntary shut-down following a positive EHV-1 test on a horse based at the stables.

The horse was taken to Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital in Snohomish last Friday after developing a fever and neurological symptoms of the illness.  The horse had competed at the Western States Cutting competition in Ogden, Utah the week before and, in light of that fact, was placed directly into an isolation ward at the hospital.  

Last night, test results confirmed that the horse has the EHV-1 virus.  Because the infected horse went straight into quarantine at the facility, Pilchuck Hospital remains open to equine patients for all services, elective or emergency.

Information will be updated as it becomes available.