Equine Herpes Case in Clark County Prompts Caution for Horse Owners

Las Vegas, NV – The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is urging horse owners in Clark County to be vigilant for signs of equine herpes following the confirmation of a single case. While details of the infection’s location and date remain undisclosed due to state law, the affected horse has been quarantined.

The Equine Herpes Virus – Type 1 (EHV-1) is a respiratory and neurological disease, requiring mandatory notification upon diagnosis by a veterinarian.

“Horse owners who recently attended any event in Clark County should monitor their horses for signs of illness, including fever, incoordination, urine dribbling, limb weakness, lethargy, or inability to stand,” warned NDA Director Goicoechea, D.V.M. “Contact your local veterinarian immediately if you notice any symptoms.”

With major equestrian events like the National Finals Rodeo and Ariat World Series of Team Roping occurring in Las Vegas, biosecurity practices take on increased importance. Dr. Goicoechea strongly advises horse owners to:

• • Monitor horses for signs of disease: Watch for fever, runny nose, or other abnormalities.
  • Practice biosecurity: Implement measures to prevent disease transmission. This includes:
  • Not sharing equipment: Clean and disinfect equipment between horses.
  • Maintaining hygiene: Wear clean clothes when handling horses, especially between healthy and sick animals.
  • Prioritizing chores: Start routine care with healthy horses and finish with sick or recovering horses.
  • Avoiding common areas: Minimize shared use of water troughs, hitching rails, and wash racks during outbreaks.

EHV-1 is highly contagious and spreads through direct horse-to-horse contact via respiratory secretions. This incident follows previous equine disease outbreaks in Nevada, including EHV-1 cases in 2019 and equine infectious anemia (EIA) in 2022.

The confirmed case serves as a reminder for horse owners to remain vigilant, practice biosecurity, and seek immediate veterinary attention if they observe any potential signs of equine herpes. By proactively safeguarding their horses’ health, owners can contribute to protecting Nevada’s equine community from the spread of infectious diseases.

Credits: 8 News Now