June 17, 2011
Test Results Negative for Equine Disease in Missouri
Horses exposed during a show last month have been released from quarantine
The Missouri Department of Agriculture has investigated and confirmed that Missouri does not have any confirmed or suspected cases of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy.
On May 16, Missouri's State Veterinarian was notified that three horses had returned to a Boone County farm after being exposed to Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy during a show in Odgen, Utah. Missouri's State Veterinarian placed a hold order on the farm that day, preventing animals at the facility from being transferred elsewhere. The exposed horses were immediately isolated and placed under a veterinarian's care.
The horses exposed to Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy during a show in Odgen, Utah have been released from their quarantine on a Boone County farm and the hold order for all other animals on that farm was lifted this week.
The horses were tested twice for the disease, once in mid-May and again in June. Test results were negative for isolates of the EHV virus, and the horses showed no symptoms of infection.
Symptoms of EHV infection include: fever above 102 degrees, decreased coordination, nasal discharge, urine dribbling, loss of tail tone, hind limb weakness, loss of balance and lethargy.
Owners with questions about the condition of their animals should contact their veterinarian or the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Division of Animal Health at (573) 751-3377.
For more information on the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit mda.mo.gov.