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HEALTH ALERT! May 16th 2012 Announcement - UPDATE

The following is an update to the information posted on May 10th.

Since last week, it has been confirmed that one of the horses located in Wilson County has died from EHV-1.  The Tennessee Department of Agriculture posted an update today, which can be found here, http://www.tn.gov/agriculture/regulatory/ehv.shtml.

According to their records:  9 total reported cases, 6 are confirmed with clinical signs, 2 have been euthanized.

NOTE:  Please be aware that the State of Tennessee can only report those cases that have actually been reported to their office.  Horses in the early signs of EHV-1 may not be identified to the STATE until the case has advanced past a certain point and thus been confirmed. 

"Transmission of this disease is primarily through direct exposure to an infected horse. The spread of this disease can be effectively controlled through good biosecurity practices and isolation of affected horses. Other trail rides and show events are not affected at this time; however, event organizers and participants should use their discretion in planning activities and implement good biosecurity measures as a precaution." (Reprinted from the TDA website)

While the State of Tennessee is not currently planning to suspend equine activities, the BUCKSNORT Trail Ride organizers have CANCELLED the ride scheduled for Memorial Day weekend.  They intend to use the time off to disinfect the areas with biosecurity procedures recommended by the State Vet. 

We will post new information, as we receive it.

TSCA Officers

Previously Posted - May 10th Update

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) is in Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture issued a Media Release yesterday (May 9th, 2012)

Click Here for Media Release

While the article has good information, not all known cases have been recorded.  There are two active cases in Wilson County.  It is certain that one case has developed into the neurological form of EHV-1, which is known to be fatal in many cases.  It is an unconfirmed rumor that this horse is near death. 

According to the TDA, the disease originated in an organized trail ride in Bucksnort at the end of April, but the case in Wilson County is believed to have originated on a trail ride, not at Bucksnort, but in the same vicinity. 

The disease is highly contagious and is transferred easily, via airborne, horse to horse, equipment, contaminated human hands/clothing/shoes/etc to horse, as well as several other possible origins.

The biggest DANGER is to horses that have:

  *  recently been on a trail ride
  *  been kept at a boarding facility (since owners are unaware where all stable mates have been)
  *  been to shows where the entries are from areas other than immediate or local. 

If your horse has been in any situation listed above, it is advised that you monitor his actions for 8 - 12 days for signs or symptoms.  This incubation period is according to information posted by the University of California - Davis, which is well known and highly respected for equine research. 
Information can be found here:  http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh/ehv1_general.cfm

If you MUST haul your horses to participate in a trail ride or show, please be aware that a contaminated facility, barn area or trailer can pose a threat to the health of your horse. Members who use boarding facilities should become familiar with the activities of others who board at your facility. 

Vaccinations:  There is some question regarding the effectiveness of the EHV-1 "killed virus" against the neurologic form of the virus and the possibility that your horse may not be protected, even if it has been vaccinated with EHV-1.


Thank you!

Tennessee State Saddle Club Officers