California EHV-1 outbreak: seventh horse put down

Spring MET II showjumping tour, Spain, cancelled EHV-1 outbreak — Library image

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Another horse has been put down during the ongoing California equine herpes virus (EHV-1) outbreak, bringing the number of fatalities to seven.

To date, eight counties in California have confirmed EHV-1 cases – four of these reporting the neurological form of the virus.

In the latest update from the California Department of Food & Agriculture (9 March) it was confirmed a 15-year-old gelding in San Mateo, who had a confirmed case of neurological EHV-1, was put down owing to the severity of his clinical signs. Another horse at the same site has tested positive for EHV-1, but is not showing neurological signs at present. CFDA is on site at the premises and 52 horses who have been exposed to the virus have been quarantined.

Seven horses have now died during the outbreak. Further EHV-1 positives, including some neurological cases, have been confirmed at two premises in Orange County, but no further cases have been reported at the affected facilities in Los Angeles County, Alameda County, Riverside County. In an update yesterday a spokesman from Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, where daily testing has been taking place, said three of its barns had been released from quarantine.

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Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.

California EHV-1 outbreak: seventh horse put down, as Nations Cup leg cancelled

“We are thankful to the FEI for their understanding and continued alignment with us given the circumstances we’ve faced on the West Coast this season.”

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