• Current Status, Apr. 16. 2007

A second farm was quarantined in the Brooksville area, after a horse displayed clinical signs consistent with EHV-1 and tested positive for the respiratory strain of the virus. Buchanan Farm is located in Brooksville and was quarantined on Saturday April 7th. The horse had been at the Brooksville farm for several weeks before exhibiting clinical signs and is now recovering well. At the time of quarantine there were no other horses on the farm exhibiting clinical signs of the disease.

The premises in Thonotosassa remains under quarantine for the neurological strain of EHV-1. The farm had two horses that became acutely neurologic and were euthanized on March 25, 2007, due to deterioration of clinical signs and poor prognosis. All horses on the farm have remained clinically normal since March 25th.

While both quarantined premises have tested positive for the EHV-1 virus the two farms are not believed to be linked based on our investigation and the viruses being identified as different strains. Both farms are being monitored daily by farm personnel, veterinarians, and this office.

The FDOACS office is continuing to monitor the state for any potential cases of EHV-1 neurological disease. The EHV-1 neurological strain can cause neurological disease in horses and is occurring more frequently throughout the United States. We are asking all those in the equine community to practice good biosecurity 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. FDOACS - Division of Animal Industry, EHV1 Outbreak