Equine Disease Communication Center | Horse Racing Free Tips

Laurel Park Sees Additional Positive EHV-1 Tests; Barn Restrictions Extended

The Equine Disease Communication Center released the following update on the Laurel Park EHV-1 outbreak on March 20:

The Maryland Department of Agriculture has confirmed additional cases of EHV-1 at Laurel Park Racetrack.

A second horse in the same barn as the index horse began displaying clinical signs of EHV-1 and was confirmed positive on March 15. That horse did not respond to treatment and has been euthanized.

Following the second positive case, MDA Animal Health officials tested the remaining 20 horses housed in the same barn as the two positive horses on March 17. Those tests returned six positive results from asymptomatic horses. All positive horses have been removed from the barn and placed in isolated quarantine offsite.

The original hold order on the four impacted barns has been reset, and horses in the index barn will be retested prior to releasing the order. The department continues to work closely with Laurel Park Racetrack and Maryland Jockey Club to ensure that daily operations are able to continue as safely as possible with minimal disruption.

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EHV-1 Positive Horse In Pennsylvania Not Associated To European Outbreak

On March 3, the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) reported that one horse was euthanized after being admitted to the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center with neurologic signs of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHV-1).

The horse, who lived in Pennsylvania, had no known affiliation with any international travel or competition, and is not considered to be associated in any way with the EHV-1 outbreak in Europe.

Veterinarians and horse owners in the United States are closely following the EHV-1 outbreak in Europe and remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent its spread to the States. EHV-1 is spread between horses from nasal discharge or aerosol droplets, as well as from touching contaminated surfaces.

There is no vaccine for the neurologic strain of equine herpesvirus; the fatality rate can reach 30 percent in horses that develop neurologic signs. A horse that recovers from the disease may retain neurologic deficits.

Vaccinated SC Mare Euthanized After Contracting EEE

An 8-year-old mare in Aiken County, SC, was euthanized on December 2 after contracting Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), reports the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC). The mare had been vaccinated for the disease. This is the 16^th case of EEE in South Carolina in 2020.

EEE is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes that affects the central nervous system of horses. Horses with EEE can have a fever, be depressed, have no interest in food or show difficulty swallowing. Additionally, the horse may have behavior changes like aggression or drowsiness, or walk circles, press his head or become blind.

Fatality rates for EEE are between 75 and 80 percent, with death occurring two to three days after clinical signs come on. Horses that survive may have residual impairment.

EEE vaccinations are available and significantly reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, horse owners and caretakers should reduce mosquito populations as much as possible by removing standing water and applying insect repellent to equines.

Equine Disease Communication Celebrates Five Years Of Improving Horse Health

This year, the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) is celebrating five years as an industry initiative, which continues to advocate for the use of technology in reporting equine diseases. Conceived after a major equine herpesvirus outbreak in 2011 involving more than 240 equine premises in 19 states and two Canadian providences, it was apparent a universal communication system for the equine industry was necessary to help prevent disease spread.

Rapid spread of infectious disease can do irreparable harm to horse health and cripple the horse industry. Just as the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need for consistent reliable medical information for people, the Equine Disease Communication Center serves as the source for providing the current facts about infectious disease in horses.

During the last five years, the EDCC has sent out more than 1,800 alerts for about 4,460 cases or outbreaks to more 8,400 email subscribers and 13,970 Facebook followers. The website (https://www.equinediseasecc.org) offers horse owners pertinent disease fact sheets and biosecurity information, all reviewed by veterinarians on the American Association of Equine Practitioners Infectious Disease Committee.

The benefits of the EDCC communication system are evident from recent outbreaks of equine herpesvirus at racetracks where large numbers of horses comingle and frequently move to and from the tracks, farms and training centers. The prompt EDCC reports have allowed the affected track and local equine community to communicate the steps taken to stop the disease from spreading.

Dr. Kathleen Anderson from Equine Veterinary Care at the Fair Hill training Center uses the EDCC to keep informed about current disease outbreaks across the country. “Having timely and reliable information allows unaffected racetracks and other horse facilities to assess risk before moving horses. Knowing that a track or farm has successfully contained the disease by quarantine helps surrounding horse activity to continue uninterrupted.”

Until five years ago, the equine community had to rely on multiple sources to learn about infectious diseases in their area. That sometimes-caused confusion and misinformation. Because horses are transported more than any other animal, up to date information is necessary to know where there is a disease risk. “I am happy to celebrate five years of growth for the EDCC service and look forward to increasing of our efforts to educate all stakeholders about infectious disease,” says Dr. Nathaniel White, director of the EDCC.

The EDCC is entirely dependent on funding from owners, horse organizations and allied companies. “The need for this type of system has been a long time coming, and we are happy to be a part of the EDCC's efforts to continue to protect and improve horse health by providing real-time and reliable information,” says, Dr. Katie Flynn, chair of the AAEP, Infectious Disease Committee.

Donations are needed annually to support the EDCC staff and activity. To donate, click here.

Learn more about the EDCC here.

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