One new case of Equine Herpes Virus-1 has been confirmed in Alberta, bringing the total number of horses with the disease in the province to 13 as of June 17.
In total, 15 horses in Alberta are reported to have the disease, but only 13 are confirmed, with the other two deemed suspect. Only one horse was destroyed because of the disease and its previous complications, said Dr. Gerald Hauer, Alberta’s chief provincial veterinarian.
The cases have been confirmed in southern Alberta, in the Calgary area, in the Edmonton area and in the Peace River area and have some connection to the cutting horse industry.
“So far to date, all 15 horses are in the cutting horse industry, most have some kind of connection to Ogden, but not all of them,” said Hauer, of Edmonton.
It is believed the current outbreak originated at a cutting horse competition in Ogden, Utah, and was spread by horses returning home from the competition. The virus is most commonly spread by horse-to-horse contact.
In Alberta, Equine Herpes Virus -1 is a notifiable disease, which means cases of the disease must be reported to Hauer’s office, where they are recorded and monitored.
Of the confirmed cases, four had neurological symptoms, five horses had respiratory symptoms and four horses were asymptomatic, or had no symptoms, but were tested because the owners felt they likely had been exposed.
In the two suspect cases, one was not tested, but had neurological signs of the illness and assumed to be positive. The other horse showed neurological signs, but tested negative twice.
Hauer said the virus has generated concern among horse owners in the province.
“For the equine industry as a whole, it is serious enough because of the concern it generates.”
Hauer recommends: to be aware of the situation, use the proper biosecurity precautions and if a horse is sick, don’t travel, and call a veterinarian.
There has been one confirmed case in Saskatchewan and the horse is recovering.
There have been no cases reported in British Columbia or Manitoba.
