HITS Ocala: Florida EHV-1 Update - Quarantine Still in Effect, No New Cases Reported

Source: News Release

Florida EHV-1 Update: Quarantine Still in Effect, No New Cases Reported

OCALA, FL - HITS, Inc. is very happy to report that no new cases of EHV-1 have been detected at HITS Ocala. The infected horse that was competing at the show last week continues to do very well at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville. The horse was diagnosed with the wild-type strain of the EHV-1 virus (read below for EHV-1 strains defined)*.

One tent at HITS Ocala remains under quarantine, and all horses stabled in that tent remain in excellent health with no symptoms whatsoever. Exhibitors are urged to continue to be diligent in abiding by bio-security measures, including a consistent daily temperature-check schedule. There are no restrictions on horses coming or going from the show grounds or over Florida state borders.

HITS looks forward to continued good sport in Ocala. The 30-horse grand prix yesterday resulted in the second win in a row for 20-year-old Jared Peterson, and the question at hand is, can his streak continue? HITS Ocala has entered the final three weeks of the circuit with classes and scheduled events running as planned, including the $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group, March 17.

*Are there different strains of EHV-1?
There are two strains of EHV-1 ubiquitous in the environment. The wild type non-neuropathogenic strain of the virus most commonly causes respiratory disease, abortion and neonatal foal death, but may occasionally result in neurological disease. Licensed vaccines effective against this strain of the virus are available. The mutant neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1 (NEHV-1) most commonly causes the neurologic disease syndrome, Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM). Currently manufactured licensed vaccines have no label claims to protect against the mutant neuropathogenic strain.

Source: California Department of Food & Agriculture

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