Today, Dr. Heather Hirst, Delaware State Veterinarian announced that PCR test results from the University of Kentucky confirm that a Standardbred horse in Kent Country has tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), a highly infectious viral disease of horses.
The horse showed signs of illness December 3, 2008 and blood and nasal swab samples were sent to the University of Kentucky immediately for analysis. The horse's clinical signs progressed and it was euthanized at the facility on December 7.
Earliest clinical signs of the neurologic form of EHV include fever (101.5 F or higher) and ataxia (incoordination). The respiratory form of the disease may or may not precede the neurologic form. The virus is spread most commonly via infectious respiratory secretions, but may also be carried on contaminated equipment, clothing and hands of personnel.
The horse had no record of racing, qualifying or training at Dover Downs. The Delaware Harness Racing Commission investigative unit is conducting a thorough investigation of this matter in conjunction with the Delaware Department of Agriculture. The State Veterinarian's Office and the owners of the horse have implemented biosecurity measures and protocols to prevent the spread of the disease into Delaware's equine community.
• The horse farm was notified of quarantine on December 6.
• Release of Quarantine:
1. The quarantine will be in effect for a minimum of 21 days past the conclusion of the most recent case of EHV (fever, nasal discharge or neurologic signs) in an equine on the premises.
2. At the end of 21 days without clinical signs, the diagnositc test status and clinical status of each of the equines on the quarantine premises shall be evaluated and certified by a state official or Delaware Department of Agriculture-designated veterinarian.
• If during the 21 day quarantine another clinical case presents, the 21 day quarantine cycle begins again, and this quarantine order will be reassessed.
• If an equine requires movement from the premises prior to the 21 day quarantine period the following criteria must be met:
- Any equine exposed to a clinical case must have two consecutive negative PCR samples, 3 days apart beginning seven days after the last known case, at the owner's expense.
Regular updates regarding this investigation will be available on the Delaware Department of Agriculture's website.
(DDA)