New Brunswick Horse Owners Warned After Possible EHV-1 Exposure at Sussex Show

New Brunswick horse owners, trainers and exhibitors who attended a recent show in Sussex are being advised to take precautions after a possible exposure to Equine Herpesvirus Type 1, commonly known as EHV-1.

The province’s chief veterinary officer issued an equine health advisory after a horse that participated in the 4-H Round Up Show at the King’s County Fair Draft Horse Show was found to have been housed at the same boarding facility as another horse that later tested positive for EHV-1.

Officials say the horse that tested positive was not present at the show. However, another horse may have been exposed before attending the event.

EHV-1 is a contagious virus that can cause respiratory illness, neurological symptoms and pregnancy loss in horses.

Horse owners whose animals attended the show are being advised to keep those horses separated from animals that were not present for approximately 14 to 21 days and to closely monitor them for signs of illness.

Symptoms can include fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. Owners are being advised to contact a veterinarian promptly if a horse develops a fever above 38.9 C or displays other concerning symptoms.

The advisory is precautionary and does not mean that widespread transmission has been confirmed.

CanJam News will continue to monitor provincial animal-health updates as more information becomes available.