The USPA would like to make members aware of the serious situation in the European Horse Show community that could have implications here in the U.S. Several horses at a major event in Valencia, Spain, have tested positive to EHV-1 (Equine Herpes Virus) and the outbreak has spread to other regions and shows virtually forcing the shutdown of the show circuit there. This is an aggressive neurological strain of the virus that has affected nearly 100 horses and resulted in at least six deaths so far.
Show circuits in the U.S. are now taking precautions against the potential spread here. Both the Wellington, Florida, area and the California desert polo communities have close contact and in some cases share stabling areas with show horses. Members should be vigilant and aware of the serious implications the disease can have on polo ponies and the polo seasons. One show horse has recently tested positive in Ocala, Florida, but does not have any connection with the European situation. In Southern California, two separate stables have had outbreaks and been recently quarantined. Both situations have been contained and the quarantines released.
The USPA advises all horse owners to monitor their horses for any change in behavior, respiratory illness and check temperatures. Alert your veterinarian if you find your horse has a temperature over 101.5 and/or shows any sign of respiratory or neurologic disease. While vaccination alone cannot prevent the neurologic form of EHV, it can provide immunity to the respiratory form and possibly reduce the virus transmission.
For further information please visit the links below:
EHV-1 OUTBREAK INFORMATION
NOTICE REGARDING EUROPEAN OUTBREAK OF EQUINE HERPESVIRUS
BIOSECURITY PROTOCOLS REMINDER FOLLOWING RECENT EHV-1 OUTBREAK IN EUROPE