Contagious horse virus prompts ISDA to recommend stopping all equine movement

IDAHO (KIFI) – The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is strongly recommending the cancellation of upcoming equine events in Idaho following confirmed reports of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) that were linked to several recent equine competitive events in Texas and Oklahoma.

ISDA is also looking to temporarily stop the transportation of all horses into or out of the state to avoid the spread from reaching Idaho.

At this time, Idaho has no confirmed cases of EHV-1. But due to the highly contagious nature of the virus, the Idaho State Veterinarian urges horse owners, trainers, and event organizers to take immediate biosecurity precautions.

They recommend temporarily stopping any transportation or hauling of equine to protect Idaho horses.

"One of the most important things to know is that people can act as fomites, which is basically where if you go touch an infected horse, you can get the virus on your hands, and then you go touch a horse that's not infected. You can technically spread it from the infected horse to the Non-infected horse. Even without those two horses coming into contact," said Abby Matthaeus, veterinarian and owner of Teton Equine Veterinary practice.

There is a vaccine for the virus, commonly known as the rhino vaccine. Dr. Matthaeus says to talk to your veterinarian if your horse hasn't been vaccinated.