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Updated: 25.01.2012
Herpes 1 Virus Update
San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition
January 22, 2012
Dear BRENDA,
In the information listed below , I have excerpted some of the notes that Dr P took during the meeting with Dr Fowler, the State Veterinarian. Thank you to Dr P for taking excellent notes and passing them on.
Herpes 1 Virus Update:
On Thursday January 19, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Animal Health Branch Chief, Dr. Fowler was present for a general meeting with the Equestrian Community at Stone Park, San Juan Capistrano--the purpose being to answer questions and present information to the public about the Equine Herpes-1 situation at Rancho Sierra Vista. The meeting was very well attended and conducted.
At this time, the neurological disease termed: Equine Herpes Myloencephalopathy is contained at Rancho Sierra Vista with no additional confirmed cases reported in any other areas of Orange County or California. Only the affected premises is quarantined. Currently there is a total of 11 confirmed NEHV-1 cases on this premises. The quarantine remains in effect at Rancho Sierra Vista and will do so until 21 days past cessation of clinical compatible symptoms of the last confirmed case. Fullbiosecurity measures, including strict isolation procedures for the infected horses, are in place. Monitoring and daily updates will be reported on the CDFA website as newinformation becomes available.
Recommendations are to continue practicing proper biosecurity measures such as not allowing nose to nose contact between horses, don't use common waterers, and monitoring your horse's temperature twice daily to determine normal and any variation which may include fever (101.5°F or higher) or simply a small increase of 1-2degrees F in temperature. For example if you have been monitoring your horse's temperature to be 98.7°F for daysand then it increases to 101°F this, while not technically a fever, may indicate exposure to the virus and would therefore be prudent to contact your veterinarian.
There is no vaccine labeled to protect against this disease (Equine Herpes Myloencephalopathy). It is felt by many experts that vaccinated horses may deal with the viral exposure better and have decreased risk of developingthe more serious symptoms of this disease. Vaccinations and other preventative oral supplements are best discussed with your veterinarian.
Questions Asked by attendees:
Q: Is it safe to move horses between non-infected facilities?
A: We must police ourselves and practice goodbiosecurity measures. If you feel your horse is exposed, don't change stables. If stable owners and managers allow new horses into a stable keep them isolated from all other horses on the premises (30 feet distance from other horses) and take temperature twice daily for 10 days. If the new horse remains clinically normal for 21 days then allow into general population.
Q: Should we go to Thermal?
A: Yes, but very important to practice proper biosecurity while at the show. The show management team has experienced this before and will ensure proper biosecurity measures are in place. Horses with fevers are likely to be isolated. If the horse tests positive for this disease, it will continue to be isolated and appropriate regulatory measures instituted. This is likely to include removal from the show grounds and direct transportation back to premises of origin where the horse would be isolated and quarantined.
General Recommendations from Dr P's office:
Vaccinations: for those in San Juan Capistrano we don't recommend vaccinations. For those in removed areas such as OPA, Huntington Beach, The Back Bay, Yorba Linda, Norco and out beyond our research and conversations with other industry leaders lead us to believe that vaccinations in these areas would help, therefore, we recommend vaccinating using one of the four recommended vaccines (Rhinommune, Calvenza,Pneumabort-K or Prodigy).
Horse movement: Again practice good judgement. If you are close to the affected area minimize your movement. Trail riding is ok but again practice proper biosecurity measures. If you are traveling for show, start monitoring your horse's temperature 5-7 days before, during travel and 7days after returning home. Record the temperatures so you can clearly see any variations and most importantly take twice daily.
Overall this county is handling this challenge extremely well. Thank you all for your excellent management and care both before and during this time.
Thank your customer, tell them how valuable they are to you, but don't go overboard. Insincerity is easy to spot.
Sincerely,
Julie Johnson
San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition
From Stables to Trails
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