Kentucky animal health officials have confirmed several cases of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) in horses residing at The Thoroughbred Center, in Lexington.

In a Feb. 14 statement, E.S. Rusty Ford, equine operations consultant for the State Veterinarian’s Office, said the affected horses were housed in Barn 3.

“The index case was reported on Tuesday evening, Feb. 13, after a horse that had presented with fever of unknown origin was sampled and results of PCR testing identified the horse to be positive for EHV1 ‘wild type’ on both nasal wash and whole blood,” Ford said. “The barn was immediately secured with no horses being allowed to move into or out of the barn. In addition to securing the barn with 24-hour guard assignment, a sanitizing area outside the barn’s entrance has been established and all individuals entering and leaving the barn must properly clean and disinfect and dispose of personal protective clothing that is provided on entry into the barn.”

Ford said 18 horses, including the index case, were stabled in Barn 3