(Austin, Texas - June 3, 2011) - The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) is wrapping up the investigation of one confirmed case of the neurologic form of EHV-1 in Ector County. Information gathered indicates that the affected horse had not attended a public event in several months, making this most likely an isolated case. Other horses on the premises are under movement restrictions and are being closely monitored for signs of the illness.

Regarding the Ogden, UT event, 9 of the 26 horses in Texas that attended the event remain under movement restriction. The number of cohorts (stablemates), under movement restriction has dropped from 323 to 150. Currently, there are a total of 6 premises that have been exposed. The affected counties include: Randall, Parker, and Jack counties. No Texas origin horse from the Ogden, Utah event has been confirmed to have the neurologic form of EHV-1, at the present time.

In other situations where horses have either shown signs consistent with EHV-1 or tested positive for EHV-1, movement restrictions have been put in place while additional diagnostic work is conducted by the attending veterinarian. Positive test results or clinical signs alone do not necessarily mean that an animal is confirmed of being infected with the neurologic form of EHV-1.

The TAHC urges horse owners to practice good biosecurity when traveling to equine related events. The following are links that provide basic biosecurity information:

http://www.aaep.org/pdfs/control_guidelines/Biosecurity_instructions%201.pdf

http://www.aaep.org/pdfs/control_guidelines/Instructions%20to%20grooms.pdf

USDA's third EHV-1 situation report is available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/ehv_2011_sitrep_060211.pdf

The TAHC will continue posting EHV-1 updates twice a week, unless new confirmed cases arise. For information regarding EHV-1, visit www.tahc.state.tx.us. You can also keep up with EHV-1 information through our Facebook (www.facebook.com/TexasAHC) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/TAHC) sites.