MAY OREGON NCHA DIRECTOR’S REPORT. 5.18.2011

W.I.G.O. What Is Going On.

EHV-1 comments.

• Read the NCHA web site for the latest updates on the virus, showing and other relevant information. This source is being routinely referenced by most veterinarians. The information on the site is factual and not just suspect, hearsay, or anecdotal. It is verified.

• Read the symptoms and other disease specific information and progress on the NCHA web site links.

• Monitor your horses. Temperature (2 X day) and being aware of symptoms and characteristics of the disease should be part of your daily routine.

• Concerns should prompt a call to your veterinarian immediately. Do not take your horse to the vet clinic as it puts the clinic at risk and probable quarantine. Just call.

• Isolate Ogden horses and any they may have contacted. This is a very contagious disease with no known means of prevention in the neurological form and no cure. Normal temperatures and lack of symptoms are no guarantee that a transmittable virus is not being carried.

• Report positive test results, sick horses, death of a horse etc. to Pam
  Robison as indicated on the web site. Pam is forwarding this information to Dr. Jerry Black at Colorado State or other appropriate contacts. This is vital information in controlling the spread of EVH-1.

• STAY HOME. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary.

Two links on the email message will be helpful and informative.

As my wise old father, mentor and best friend used to say: “Believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see.”

PS: Good news. Linda Bailey reports that her horse had a ‘negative’ report from the PCR nasal swab test and blood test. A temperature of 103.9 temperature was recorded last Friday. By the way, Oregon Dept of Ag is encouraging PCR nasal swab tests and a blood test for Ogden horses.


Jack Holt, OR Director
jackholt@integra.net  (c) 541-420-8585