5-31 FB Herpes Symptoms

 If you own a horse, you may want to be very aware of the Symptoms of Neurological form of Equine Herpes Virus Observed in Several Idaho HorsesThe Idaho State Department of Agriculture is investigating a suspected outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) within the state.  Horses may have been exposed to the severe neurological form at the NCHA Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah held April 30-May 8, 2011. State Veterinarian, Dr. Bill Barton is recommending horse owners incorporate strict movement controls or containment methods to prevent the spread of the disease. Equine Herpes Virus is highly contagious among horses. Llamas and alpacas can also be affected but the virus poses no health threat to humans. Symptoms may include a fever: causes inflammation of the vessels that supply the brain and spinal cord and results in the horse displaying lack of coordination, difficulty standing, trouble urinating and eventually those horses may go down and not be able to rise. So it is a form of the disease that we do see periodically but it is not as common as the respiratory form.

 Anyone suspecting or confirming a case of EHV-1 should call (208) 332-8540 or (208) 332-8570 to report cases.