OKLAHOMA CITY — Equine Herpes Virus has been impacting events throughout the world and cases have been confirmed stateside. With upcoming equine events being hosted in Oklahoma, the State Veterinarian’s office located within the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry wants to encourage horse owners to taken preventative action now.
“During this time, we ask horse owners and event managers to maintain a heightened level of awareness, implement biosecurity practices to minimize potential exposure and monitor for symptoms of EHV,” said Dr. Rod Hall, State Veterinarian.
Symptoms of EHV-1 include fever, nasal discharge, incoordination, hind limb weakness, urine dribbling and a flaccid tail.
In addition to monitoring, we suggest administering routine vaccinations against EHV, West Nile Virus and Rabies, as this is the best time to be proactive in curbing these diseases.
If you have questions or concerns about EHV, protocol for hosting an equine event, or to report a potential case, reach out to one of the ODAFF veterinarian’s below.
Dr. Rod Hall, 405.522.0270, rod.hall@ag.ok.gov
Dr. Beth Ruby, 405.522.8396, beth.ruby@ag.ok.gov
Dr. Alicia Gorczyca-Southerland, 405.522.6136, alicia.gorczyca-southerland@ag.ok.gov
Dr. Gary Stone, 405.258.8048, gary.stone@ag.ok.gov
–Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry
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