A COVID-19 message to equestrians

Dr. Brian Joseph
Washington State Veterinarian

State Veterinarians across the U.S are concerned about animal susceptibility to coronavirus and
possible links between animals and the spread of COVID-19 among humans.

Horses are not susceptible to COVID-19, but horse owners
should avoid gathering with people around horse barns etc.

For horse owners and people who work with horses, we see little cause for concern about equine susceptibility or transmission; no evidence currently links the virus that causes COVID-19 with disease in horses nor are there any indications that horses can infect humans with the virus.

A virus in the coronavirus family, equine coronavirus (ECoV), can cause gastrointestinal disease in horses with signs of fever, depression diarrhea and colic, but this variant is NOT the same as the virus that causes COVID-19.

The Equine Disease Communication Center has recently put together valuable resources about the differences in ECoV and COVID-19.

Concern about people

Although our horses are relatively safe for the pandemic, people participating in equine activities and events such as group trail rides, boarding, training and lessons are still at risk.

At a time when we are trying to control the spread of COVID-19, we need Washington’s equine enthusiasts to do their part, too, by adhering to strict limits on, or completely avoiding gatherings of any kind.

Improve your biosecurity for horses

We need to improve our personal biosecurity and that of our horses. So, here are some best practices that were developed with the help of our colleagues in Kentucky to adjust equine activities to protect public health during this time. I urge you to implement these best practices in your facility and in your activities:

• Open barns to allow as much fresh air exchange as is possible.
• Assign equipment to an individual horse. Virus can be carried on equipment (ie: halters, shovels, brushes, cross ties, etc.) 
• Clean and disinfect equipment daily.  This is always a good practice and can decrease the spread of other important equine viruses such as equine influenza virus and equine herpes virus. Clean and disinfect surfaces such as desks, rails, gates, floor mats having contact with individuals or equipment daily.
• Prepare and complete records electronically. Paper records or common dry erase boards can be a pathway for virus to pass between people.
• Limit the number of daily visitors to farms. Consider a schedule that limits the number of individuals on the farm to be less than 10 at any one time.
• Farm employees and horse owners should practice social distancing. This is the only way to stop the spread of the virus.
• Farm employees should take their own temperature twice daily and self-quarantine if they have a fever.  Fevers should be reported to the barn manager.  Designate someone else to care of the sick person’s horse.
• Do not to move your horses between stables unless it is essential. 
• Practice excellent biosecurity. Clean and disinfect your tack and your trailer including the wheels. Moving horses to new stables causes them stress which can suppress their immune system making them more susceptible to disease.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations and wash your hands frequently with soap and water. 

One other note: WSDA's brand program not doing field inspections for horses (lifetimes or annuals) to observe social distancing during this crisis. This work will resume as soon as it is safe.

I understand that some of what we are recommending is inconvenient, some of it costs money, but if we all work together, we can stop the spread of this virus.  All our health, our economy and the quality of our lives depends on our working together.

Practice good biosecurity to protect your horse from strangles

Dr. Amber Itle
Washington Assistant State Veterinarian 

Strangles in horses, or Streptococcus equi infections, is a contagious disease endemic in Washington, but not usually fatal. Still, it is a reportable disease, and several cases have been reported recently to the Washington State Veterinarian’s Office.

Since the end of April, there have been reports of 16 confirmed, laboratory-diagnosed cases of strangles at five locations in King, Snohomish, Chelan, Yakima, and Thurston counties.

All are being managed by private veterinarians who have imposed self-quarantine, implemented biosecurity measures, and executed testing protocols. WSDA has been in contact with those veterinarians to monitor these cases and provide support.

WSDA can write quarantines to stop the movement of horses in cases where barns don’t comply with the instructions of a private veterinarian, but that has not been necessary in any of these recent cases because all are complying with their self-imposed quarantines.

When a quarantine is in effect, no horses are allowed to move on or off the premises, attend horse shows, or travel. It is actually against the law to expose other animals to contagious, infectious, or communicable disease.

Strangles is rarely fatal and the prognosis for recovery is usually very good with proper care. But as the name suggests, strangles can affect a horse’s respiratory system. Symptoms include:

• Fever.
• Abscesses in the mandibular lymph nodes.
• Nasal discharge that can include thick white and yellow mucus.
• Inflammation of the throat.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Wheezing.
• Coughing.
• In rare cases, bleeding from the capillaries.

Good biosecurity practices are the best defense against the disease. The Equine Disease Communication Center’s “What is biosecurity?” offers excellent recommendations. The EDCC also recommends the following:

• When possible, isolate new horses for up to three weeks when they are being introduced to a new facility. 
• If you have handled an infected animal during an outbreak, avoid coming in contact with susceptible animals. 
• Wear protective clothing, avoid using the same equipment on multiple animals, and disinfect both your hands and equipment when moving between animals.

This “Strangles Fact Sheet” from the EDCC has more information on this disease, tips and suggestions.

Do your horse a favor, give it a flu shot

Dr. Brian Joseph 
Washington State Veterinarian

Donkeys and horses are susceptible to equine influenza virus
but with regular vaccinations the disease is preventable. 

Equine influenza virus (EIV) or “horse flu” is a highly contagious but preventable disease found here in Washington.

Protect your animals with regular vaccinations and proper hygiene.

About horse flu

Equine influenza outbreaks occur annually in Washington and across the United States and are a major cause of economic loss due to lost training days and veterinary costs.

They can be prevented through immunization, but the virus remains persistent because of irregular or inadequate vaccination and asymptomatic disease carriers.

Horses in Washington have been infected

Every year, horses in Washington become infected with EIV. Since mid-November 2018, eight confirmed cases have been reported to the Washington State Veterinarian’s office. However, EIV is a common disease and is managed by private veterinarians, not WSDA.

Signs that your horse may have EIV

• High fever
• Thick green or yellow nasal discharge
• Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw
• Harsh, dry cough
• Depression, loss of appetite and weakness

Most horses recover in two to three weeks, although complete recovery in severely affected animals may take several months. Any horse showing clinical signs should be isolated for at least 21 days.

Can humans get EIV?

No, but dogs can.

What to do if you think your animal may have the flu

Call your vet if you think your horse may be infected. Veterinarian treatment is vital for proper diagnosis and care. Uncomplicated cases require rest and supportive care. Affected horses should rest for a minimum of three weeks -- one week for each day of fever.

These horses should not attend shows or leave the premises during that time.

Transmission

Equine influenza virus spreads rapidly through barns, race tracks and training facilities through the inhalation or contact with germs shed by infected horses.

Contaminated equipment such as feed buckets, tack and grooming aids can spread the disease.

Practice good hygiene

The virus can be inactivated by commonly used disinfectants and diligent use of hand sanitizer.
Exposure can be reduced through quarantine and observation of newly acquired horses for a two week period; a prudent practice after any horse acquisition or transport.

How to protect your animals

Vaccinate. This is a preventable disease with regular immunizations and biosecurity.

It is recommended that at-risk horses, such as show horses, be immunized at three month intervals while sedentary horses may be vaccinated annually due to a smaller risk of exposure.

Work with your veterinarian to come up with a vaccination program and biosecurity plan tailored to your needs.

For additional information visit WSDA's Animal Health Program page.

Slow start for West Nile virus

Chris McGann
Communications

A Grant County Quarter Horse named Tiny tested positive for West Nile virus last week. According to WSDA Veterinarian Dr. Brian Joseph, the five-year-old gelding is the first horse in Washington identified with the disease this year.

Horses' best protection against West Nile virus is vaccination. 

Although West Nile virus can be fatal, Tiny is receiving care for a neurological deficit in the right rear and his prognosis appears to be good.

Last year, nine horses were diagnosed with West Nile virus statewide, and just two years earlier, 36 cases were reported in Washington, with several horses dying or being euthanized as a result of the disease.

Joseph said the positive test comes as no surprise.

“It happens every year,” he said. “But this is a good reminder. It’s so easy to prevent if you vaccinate.”

Horse vaccination for West Nile virus  requires two doses and annual boosters. It is most effective when given to horses in spring, before mosquito season.

“But it’s never too late to vaccinate,” Joseph said. “It’s so easy to prevent it.”

Records indicate Tiny may have received one of the West Nile virus vaccinations which may have helped reduce the danger.

“There’s about a 30 percent mortality for horses showing severe neurological symptoms,” Joseph said. “Most horses show milder, flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all.”

West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds and while it can sicken people, horses, birds and other animals, it does not directly spread from horses to people or other animals.

“People and horses are “dead end” hosts,” said Joseph, explaining that the disease does not travel directly from horse to horse – or person to person.

Other preventative measures include mosquito control, which reduces the horses’ contact the main vector or the disease. Circulating air around stalls can really help.

West Nile virus is not spread between horses. Mosquitoes are
the main vector, passing the virus from birds, such as crows. 

This first West Nile virus case showed up a little later in the year than normal, the dry hot weather may have contributed by reducing the habitat for mosquito larva, Joseph said.

Watch for symptoms

West Nile virus is prevalent across the country, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for signs of infection in horses. Closely observe your horse and look for signs, which include:

• Fever of 102.5 degrees F or higher
• Discharge from eyes or nose
• Limb edema or swelling
• Spontaneous abortions
• Neurologic signs such as an unsteady gait, weakness, urine dribbling, lack of tail tone and recumbency.

Veterinarians who diagnose potential West Nile virus cases should contact the State Veterinarian’s Office at (360) 902-1878.

Visit WSDA’s West Nile virus webpage or the state Department of Health for more information.

Spring is here – time to vaccinate your horse for West Nile virus

Dr. Thomas Gilliom
WSDA field veterinarian 

Mosquito season is upon us which means it’s time to make sure your horses are vaccinated for West Nile virus. Washington often reports more cases of West Nile virus in horses than most other states in the nation, making vaccinations all the more important.

Usually, most confirmed cases of West Nile virus are in the central and eastern part of our state. Cases crop up beginning in late spring and through the summer and fall, which is also prime mosquito season.

Since the virus spreads by mosquitoes, there are no mass outbreaks affecting several horses at once, but rather just one or two cases at a time. Last year, nine horses were diagnosed with West Nile virus statewide, but just two years earlier, 36 cases were reported in Washington, with several horses dying or being euthanized as a result of the disease.

West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds and while it can sicken people, horses, birds and other animals, it does not directly spread from horses to people or other animals.

Most horses exposed to the West Nile virus don’t show any symptoms. When they do become ill, however, symptoms can include lack of coordination, loss of appetite, confusion, fever, stiffness, and muscle weakness, particularly in their hindquarters. The disease is fatal in about a third of the cases where these symptoms show up.

West Nile virus can be prevented with vaccination and spring is when horse owners should plan to include West Nile virus with annual equine vaccinations.

The vaccine is most effective when given to horses early in the mosquito season. Horses require two doses of the vaccine initially, and then boosters at least annually.

Use insect repellent and fly sheets to reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Also,look for and eliminate areas with standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Get rid of old tires or other areas where rain water can accumulate. It’s even a good idea to refresh the water in water troughs weekly.

Veterinarians who diagnose potential West Nile virus cases should contact the State Veterinarian’s Office at (360) 902-1878.

Visit WSDA’s West Nile virus webpage or the state Department of Health for more information.

EHV-1 detected in horse at equine facility, quarantine order issued

Dr. Brian Joseph
Washington State Veterinarian

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has quarantined a facility in King County after a single laboratory-verified case of equine herpes virus EHV-1, neuropathogenic strain, was detected there.

On April 5, a horse at the Gold Creek Equine Facility in Woodinville tested positive for EHV-1. The horse has been moved to an isolated area on the premises and WSDA has quarantined the facility. Temperatures of the horses at the facility will be taken twice daily.

Gold Creek has cooperated fully with the quarantine order and operators there are working to ensure strict biosecurity measures are in place. WSDA is tracing movements of horses off the premises prior to the quarantine and may issue additional quarantine orders if needed.

Given the highly infectious nature of the virus, WSDA is urging horse owners to follow these recommendations:

• Watch your horse for signs of possible infection, such as:
• Fever of 102.5F or higher
• Discharge from the eyes or nose
• Respiratory symptoms
• Swelling of the limbs
• Spontaneous abortions
• Neurological signs such as unsteady gait, weakness, urine dripping, lack of tail tone and recumbency.
• Check your horse’s temperature twice daily, ideally first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Also, check before administering medications as some can lower body temperature.
• Notify your veterinarian immediately if you detect any of the symptoms above. Your veterinarian may want to take nasal swabs for virus detection or blood samples for evidence of exposure to EHV-1.

More information about testing, vaccines and biosecurity can be found in our previous blog about EHV-1.  This is a developing situation. We will update this blog as we learn more.

4/9/18 UPDATE: 

As a precautionary measure, on April 6 WSDA issued quarantine orders for two additional locations in Snohomish County where horses from Gold Creek had been transported prior to WSDA issuing the initial quarantine. The additional locations include a stable in Snohomish and a private residence in Monroe.

Horses at these additional sites are being monitored by veterinarians, but none have shown any signs of illness. All three sites are cooperating with the quarantine orders and are working to ensure strict biosecurity measures are in place.

4/26/18 UPDATE: 

The quarantine at Gold Creek remains in place although no other horses have tested positive or displayed neurological signs. The quarantine will remain until the infected horse, has had two negative tests for EHV-1 (the horse has had one negative swab since the initial detection and is awaiting a second negative test for confirmation.)

The quarantines on the other two facilities have been lifted as no horses tested positive or displayed symptoms.

5/1/18 UPDATE:

We're happy to update that all quarantines have now been lifted, including the quarantine at Gold Creek Equestrian. The horse that initially tested positive at Gold Creek has subsequently had two negative tests and is expected to make a full recovery. No other horses, at Gold Creek or the other two facilities that were quarantined, have tested positive or showed signs of EHV-1. Many thanks to all of these facilities for their excellent response in keeping this detection contained and protecting animal health!

Quarantine lifted at Woodinville equestrian center

Dr. Brian Joseph
Washington State Veterinarian

A quarantine that has been in place at a Woodinville equestrian center since Dec. 13 was removed today following tests showing no new evidence of the highly contagious neuropathogenic strain of equine herpes virus (EHV-1).

The stable’s veterinarians deserve praise for quickly alerting WSDA of the outbreak last December, working cooperatively in protecting the horses and communicating difficult decisions to the stable's owners.

It also helped that the owners were exceptionally cooperative with our oversight. Their efforts prevented this situation from becoming an outbreak at additional horse facilities.

This incident is a reminder for all horse owners to continue practicing good biosecurity at their stables and keep an eye on their horses for signs of possible infection such as high fevers, discharge from their eyes or nose, or swelling in their limbs. Owners should also look for neurological signs such as an unsteady gait, weakness, urine dripping, lack of tail tone and recumbency.

Notify your veterinarian if you detect any of these symptoms.

Our earlier article from December on EHV-1 has additional advice for horse owners concerning equine herpes.

Strangles reported in Whidbey Island horses, but an issue for all horse owners

Dr. Amber Itle
Assistant State Veterinarian 

Last week, strangles was diagnosed in a horse and two ponies at a Whidbey Island stable. There are a total of five horses and two ponies on the premise and the infected animals were recently purchased from a sale yard in Oregon.

While there is no formal quarantine for the facility, the owners have committed to isolating the infected horse and ponies, which are all under the supervision of a veterinarian. Additionally, no animals are currently being allowed on or off the premise.

Strangles is rarely fatal and the prognosis for recovery is usually very good with proper care. But as the name suggests, strangles can affect a horse’s respiratory system. Typically, signs of the disease include:

• Fever.
• Abscesses in the mandibular lymph nodes.
• Nasal discharge that can include thick white and yellow mucus.
• Inflammation of the throat.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Wheezing.
• Coughing.
• In rare cases, bleeding from the capillaries.

While strangles is contagious and endemic in Washington, it is not usually fatal. Still, it is a reportable disease, meaning any diagnoses of strangles should be reported to the Washington State Veterinarian's Office.

The best protection against strangles is practicing good biosecurity. Here are some other suggestions from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC):

• When possible, isolate new horses for up to three weeks when they are being introduced to a new facility. 
• During an outbreak, such as the situation at the Whidbey Island facility, avoid coming in contact with susceptible animals after handling an infected animal. 
• Wear protective clothing, avoid using the same equipment on multiple animals, and disinfect both your hands and equipment when moving between animals.

The EDCC also publishes this “Strangles Fact Sheet,” which has more tips and suggestions.

Veterinarians should alert the State Veterinarian's Office of reportable diseases by calling (360) 902-1878.