In a recent statement, Kentucky Equine Programs Manager E.S. “Rusty” Ford and State Veterinarian Robert Stout, DVM, encouraged horse owners and event organizers to be aware of and take precautions due to the numerous cases of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) recently diagnosed across the country.

“We first want to remind all associated parties that mitigating risk of disease is a shared responsibility that requires commitment from each individual exhibitor, event managers, facility operators, veterinarians, and animal health officials,” Ford said in the statement. “We are directing Kentucky facility managers and the managers of shows/exhibitions planned to be held in Kentucky to immediately review their biosecurity practices and if needed elevate their biosecurity plan to minimize opportunity of horses having direct or indirect contact with one another.

“The goal of a biosecurity plan is to prevent the transmission of infectious agents among individuals and the components of a successful program will include cooperation of management, facility layout, decontamination, and when applicable immunization. Each of these factors directly affects the success or failure of the program,” his statement said.

Ford also recommended that owners discuss vaccination with their veterinarians and consider whether horses could benefit from being vaccinated against EHV-1