LINCOLN – State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Hughes has placed five horse premises under quarantine after several cases of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) have been confirmed across the nation.

“The horse premises that are quarantined in Nebraska may have come into contact with infected horses during the National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah,” said Dr. Hughes.  “We are acting quickly to take appropriate measures to protect our horse industry.  Our staff is working with the quarantined horse premise owners to monitor for signs associated with the disease.”

EHV-1 symptoms include: fever, decrease coordination, nasal discharge, urine dribbling, loss of tail bone, hind limb weakness, leaning against a wall or fence to maintain balance, lethargy, and the inability to rise.  While there is no cure, the symptoms of the disease may be treatable.

NDA encourages all horse producers to follow biosecurity measures on their operations, including: requiring individuals to wash their hands before and after contact with each horse; avoid contact with other horses; disinfect boots and change clothes that come into contact with horses other than your own; isolate horses returning from shows for 2-3 weeks.

Additional information about EHV-1 can be viewed at www.agr.ne.gov.