The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is monitoring the confirmed exposure of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) associated with the equine events in Texas and Oklahoma. At this time, no cases of EHV-1 associated with this outbreak have been identified in Tennessee.
On November 25, the state instituted a required Certificate of Veterinary Inspection for the animal(s) fir horses coming into the state. It must read as follows:
“The equine listed on this CVI have not originated from a premises that is currently under EHV quarantine and have not been comingled with EHV positive or exposed horses within the last 21 days.
They recommend Tennessee horses who were at the Texas or Oklahoma event quarantine at home and that owners monitor any potentially exposed horses for 21 days. EHV-1 can cause respiratory disease, abortion, and neurologic disease. They suggest increasing biosecurity measures and remaining vigilant for neurologic signs and temperature spikes of 101.5 and above. Should these symptoms arise, state officials recommend working with a private veterinarian for care, and contact the State Veterinarian’s office at 615-837-5120.
“We encourage show managers to consider postponing any events or exhibitions for a minimum of 3 weeks to avoid spread of this disease by asymptomatic horses,” state officials stated.
Many states are changing their entry requirements for equine due to the outbreak. Horse owners will need to contact the state of destination for the most current requirements.
Horse owners should continue to practice enhanced biosecurity at shows and events, including avoiding nose-to-nose contact with other horses, not sharing equipment such as buckets, hoses, or grooming tools, monitoring temperatures twice daily, cleaning and disinfecting trailers and tack, and isolating returning horses from the rest of the herd for several days. •
About The Lynchburg Times:
I’m an independent, reader-supported, professional journalist covering Lynchburg the way it should be covered: in person, with context, accuracy, and a commitment to the truth. I show up in the rooms where decisions are made, track the details that matter, and bring you reporting you won’t find in any automated feed or secondhand summary. Your support allows me to keep doing this work — and keeps my articles free for everyone. If you value this work, you can support it here.