EFN

April first proved to not be a jocular one for the horse racing community in New Jersey, especially those in Monmouth County. Six farms all together, five of which were in Monmouth County, and four of those which were in Howell, were placed under quarantine for a serious, and possibly deadly, equine herpes virus.

The equine herpes virus, while not a threat to humans or other livestock often proves fatal for horses. Tests have been run on all horses within the quarantined area and no tests have yet to come back positive. However, three horses showed symptoms of the disease and were euthanized last week. The virus causes neurological problems in horses, especially young horses, as well as spontaneous miscarriages in pregnant mares. In addition, respiratory problems develop and the virus carries a very high mortality rate for any horse that catches it. The three horses that were euthanized were all at one farm, however the other farms were exposed through other horses who may be carrying the disease and not yet manifesting the symptoms. The virus may also be spread through humans, organic material, or any tools or equipment that may be infected through contact with the contaminated horses. The Department of Agriculture is planning to continue the quarantine for several weeks in order to ensure that the virus is not spread throughout the equestrian community.

Farms under the quarantine are advised to keep all horses on sight, clean continuously with a bleach water mixture, and to stay put for at least the 21 days of the quarantine. Investigations as to the source, as well as continuous monitoring of the quarantined farms are on going. Any questions may be directed to the Department of Agriculture.