Oklahoma animal health officials are monitoring a confirmed case of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 involving a barrel racing horse in eastern Oklahoma.
An 8 year old Quarter Horse mare located in Wagoner County tested positive for EHV 1 on May 12 after developing neurological symptoms earlier this month. Officials say the mare first showed signs on May 5, including weakness, inability to stand, bladder complications and nasal discharge.
State animal health personnel have begun tracing horse movement connected to the case, although no additional infected horses had been identified as of Wednesday.
Veterinarians say the neurological form of EHV 1, commonly referred to as EHM, can spread quickly among horses through close contact and contaminated equipment including trailers, buckets, tack and grooming tools.
The case comes as horse owners and rodeo competitors across the Southern Plains continue increasing biosecurity precautions during a busy spring event season.
Animal health experts are encouraging horse owners to monitor horses closely for fever, nasal discharge, coordination problems and unusual behavior that could signal infection.
Officials also recommend isolating sick horses immediately and avoiding shared equipment whenever possible to help reduce the spread of the virus.
Current vaccines may help limit viral shedding, but veterinarians say no vaccine fully protects horses against the neurological form of EHV 1.
Industry officials say early detection and strong biosecurity practices remain the best tools available to prevent additional cases from spreading through the equine industry.