(SPARKS, Nev.) -
April 02, 2019Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) State Veterinarian JJ Goicoechea reports that although the two horses in Clark County tested negative for Equine Herpes Virus – Type 1 (EHV-1), there is a positive case in Humboldt County traced back to the March 8-10 Nevada Junior/High School Rodeo event in Fernley.
“The quarantine on this horse will expire before the Fallon rodeo event, so I have not recommended canceling it,” Dr. Goicoechea said. “However, I absolutely support their decision, and I thank them for continuing to make tough decisions in efforts to stop this outbreak.”
Dr. Goicoechea also said that because the quarantine expires Friday, no event cancellations are recommended at this time. He stressed the importance of practicing good biosecurity and never traveling with horses showing any signs of illness.
EHV-1 is a reportable disease, meaning when veterinarians diagnose it, they are required to notify the Nevada Department of Agriculture, per NRS 571.160. A list of reportable diseases can be found at agri.nv.gov.
State veterinarian says: continue to monitor horses, practice biosecurity
Dr. Goicoechea continues to recommend best biosecurity practices as event season is underway, and always monitor horses for signs of disease, like fever or runny nose.
Biosecurity means doing everything possible to reduce chances of an infectious disease being transferred by people, animals, equipment or vehicles. EHV-1 and other diseases can be easily transferred on boots, coats, gloves and equipment. Some basic practices include:
- Never share equipment between horses, and always wear clean clothes when going from ill horses to others.
- Always start chores at healthy horses, and end with sick or recovering (within 30 days) horses.
- Avoid common areas such as hitching rails, wash racks, etc. during an outbreak.
About the Nevada Department of Agriculture
The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) promotes a business climate that is fair, economically viable and encourages a sustainable environment that serves to protect food, fiber and human health and safety through effective service and education. The NDA includes the divisions of Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition and Plant Industry.