An update from the Florida Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Industry:
A horse participating in the Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) horse show in Ocala was referred to the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine after showing clinical neurological signs on February 20th. The horse subsequently tested positive for the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1), wild-type strain. Currently, the horse is in stable condition and continues to be treated at the University of Florida. There are no additional suspected or confirmed cases of the neurological form of the disease at this time.
Five additional horses that are linked to the HITS Show in Ocala have tested positive for EHV-1 wild type. One is located at Redfield Farm in Ocala, four are located at Miles Away Farm in Loxahatchee, Florida. One horse not believed to be linked with any of the HITS-associated quarantined premises has also been positive for EHV-1. This horse is located at Tequestrian Farm in Wellington, Florida. None of the six new positive horses have exhibited neurological signs at this time. While the additional positive horses were detected after leaving the Showgrounds, they resided in Tent 3 and Tent 6 in proximity to Tent 7 which housed the index case. With evidence of more widespread exposure, the HITS Showgrounds have been placed under quarantine. The Division of Animal Industry is continuing their disease investigation and developing protocols for surveillance and quarantine release measures. An Incident Command Team comprised of state and federal personnel is being mobilized to implement appropriate control measures. The FEI tent at Wellington Showgrounds was released from quarantine on Thursday, February 28, 2013 after test results for the horses tested on that premises were negative.
Quarantined Farms/Premises*
* HITS Showgrounds, Ocala – Entire facility
* Up Country Farm/Synergy Farm, Ocala ? Montera Farm, Ocala
* Flutterby Farm, Ocala
* Foxwood Farms, Pinellas Park ? Black Forest Farm, St. Augustine
* Littlewood Farm, Wellington ? Brookmore Farm, Oviedo
* Kings Ridge Farm, Reddick • Tequestrian Farm, Wellington
• Redfield Farm, Ocala • Miles Away Farm, Loxahatchee
**The quarantines listed above do not necessarily encompass the entire premises.
New Quarantined Premises:
* None
Premises Released from Quarantine:
* FEI tent at Wellington Showgrounds – February 28, 2013
Recommendations for horses that have shown at HITS since February 5, 2013 include close monitoring of animals, reporting of fevers greater than 101.5 and strict bio-security measures for at least 21 days after departure from HITS.
Additional movement requirements or restrictions have not been imposed by Florida or any other states at this time. We are advising horse owners and trainers to contact the venue of destination for any additional requirements prior to travel.
We are asking all those in the equine community to practice prudent bio-security on their farm and to report any suspected cases of EHV-1. For reporting, you may call 850-410-0900 Monday through Friday 8:00am-5:00pm and 1-800-342-5869 after hours and weekends.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services with continue to work with HITS management, trainers, and veterinarians to ensure proper safeguards are taken to prevent further spread of the disease.
Frequent informational updates will be provided, so please continue to visit this Website regularly,