In many horses, the only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected. | Photo: Stephanie L. Church/The Horse

Veterinarians have confirmed equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM, the neurologic form of equine herpesvirus-1, or EHV-1) in a well-known Bowman County barrel racing horse.

The horse developed signs of disease on Thursday, April 19. The disease progressed rapidly, and the veterinarians euthanized the horse the same day. Confirmatory lab results were received Friday evening, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture said in an April 23 statement.

Horses exposed to the positive horse within 72 hours prior to the onset of clinical illness have been quarantined. Owners of other horses that might have had contact with the affected horse prior to that period are being advised to consult with their local veterinarian, monitor their horses for signs of disease, and restrict travel