Infected horses euthanized

CHENEY – The equine community is reeling after two horses were euthanized over the weekend of Nov. 16-17 due to a neuropathogenic strain of Equine Herpes Virus, also known as Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy.

The contagious and often fatal disease has prompted the state Department of Agriculture to issue a warning to local horse owners.

Both affected horses had been at J Spear Arena in recent weeks, a facility that frequently hosts events such as team roping competitions. The arena has since been quarantined and temporarily closed.

“This is serious, and we need to take this virus seriously,” state Veterinarian Amber Itle said.

Nicole Starring, whose horse was among the two that succumbed to the virus, shared her experience.

“On Friday night, everyone looked healthy and came to eat as usual,” Starring said. “But by Saturday morning, our horse couldn’t stand. Less than 24 hours later, she passed away.”

The second horse, which lived at J Spear Arena, exhibited similar symptoms and was euthanized Friday night. Both horses were vaccinated, young, and in good health prior to the illness.

The virus

EHV-1 is a common respiratory virus in horses, causing symptoms such as fever, nasal discharge, and depression. However, the neuropathogenic strain that leads to EHM attacks the nervous system, resulting in decreased coordination, hind limb weakness, and lethargy.

“The incubation period can be as long as 14 days,” assistant veterinarian Ben Smith said. “This means horses exposed weeks ago could still show symptoms.”

The agriculture department is urging horse owners to take the following precautions:

• Monitor temperatures: Horses with a fever of 101.5°F or higher should receive veterinary attention.

• Quarantine exposed horses: Avoid moving animals that may have been exposed to other facilities or events.

• Avoid shared equipment: Items like grooming tools and feeding buckets can spread the virus.

• Limit horse interactions: Avoid nose-to-nose contact between horses.

“We know this is difficult for horse owners, especially those with events and obligations, but the best way to be a good neighbor is to keep your horses at home and under observation,” Itle said.

While no additional cases have been confirmed, the potential exposure at J Spear Arena has heightened concerns among horse owners throughout Spokane, Whitman, and Lincoln counties.

The agriculture department continues to monitor the situation closely and encourages anyone with concerns to visit the Equine Disease Communication Center website for the latest updates.

“This is a reminder of how quickly this virus can change everything,” Starring said.