UPDATE APRIL 11: Despite South Point's confidence that the National Reined Cow Horse Association's Stallion Stakes event would not be impacted by EHV-1, it was.
2 horses that were at the event tested positive for the respiratory, non-neurologic form of Equine Herpes Virus – Type 1. One horse was from California, and the second was from Clark County and is under quarantine order by State Veterinarian JJ Goicoechea.
The event took place March 30 through April 6 and other horses may have been exposed. The state veterinarian is recommending against travel and competition for those horses.
The facility is exercising extreme caution but there is not a quarantine in place.
In addition, there has been one unrelated case of EHV-1 reported on an unvaccinated horse with neurologic signs in Clark County.
“These two cases are not related and are examples of why monitoring of horses and rapid reporting of positive test results are critical to protecting Nevada’s equine industry,” Dr. Goicoechea said. “The facility where the EHV-1 positive horse with neurologic symptoms is located has also been placed under quarantine, and I am not making additional recommendations because the horse has no travel history off the property.”
EHV-1 is a reportable disease, meaning when veterinarians diagnose it, they are required to notify the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
UPDATE MARCH 19: The South Point hotel-casino has confirmed that it has canceled the Let It Ride Team Penning & Ranch Sorting event scheduled for March 22-24 because of the threat to horses.
The following statement was sent on behalf of Steve Stallworth, general manager of the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center:
At the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center, safety and security is a first priority. After working closely with the state veterinarian, we have decided to postpone this week’s equestrian event to ensure the safety of our equine guests. Based on our dealings with the state veterinarian, we do not believe the National Reined Cow Horse Association’s Stallion Stakes event will be impacted. We will continue to work with them to make sure the facility is sanitized and safe for upcoming events.
ORIGINAL STORY
RENO, Nev. (AP) — State agriculture officials have ordered the quarantine or a second and third horse in southern Nevada that tested positive for an equine herpes virus after the state high school rodeo last month in Pahrump.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture said Monday two additional Clark County horse facilities have been quarantined since the first case was confirmed on Friday.
The facilities have not been identified because the state says there is no public health risk.
However, horse owners in Nevada and surrounding states are warned to watch for signs of fever, cough or runny nose in any animals that may have been exposed to the virus known as EHV-1.
It can cause respiratory disease in young horses, abortions in pregnant mares and neurologic disease in older horses. It can be spread through contact with exposed animals, people, equipment and vehicles.
