NORTH COAST, Calif. – A deadly equine virus that affected nearly two dozen California horses this spring was confirmed in three Sonoma County horses last week, according to state officials.
The neurotropathogenic strain of equine herpes virus was confirmed in a 15-year-old Oldenburg mare in Sonoma County on Aug. 23, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
CDFA said the mare subsequently as isolated, quarantined and undergoing treatment at a veterinary hospital.
Horses at the same premises where the mare initially was located had their temperatures monitored twice daily, and on Aug. 24 two horses with the neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1 were confirmed there, the state said.
The two affected horses showed fever as the only clinical sign, state officials said.
Besides a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, other clinical signs the CDFA identified include nasal discharge, lack of coordination, hindquarter weakness and a diminished tail bone, lethargy, urine dribbling, and the horse lying down more than normal. Read More…
