Heather Davis at Thunder Acres Farms in Southwest Florida is on high alert as authorities monitor an outbreak of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1). According to the Equine Disease Communication Center, this virus is causing concern among horse owners.
“We’re just concerned about our horses’ health,” said Heather Davis.
The virus’s symptoms appear quickly and are difficult to combat once they manifest.
“Symptoms come on quickly, and once they come on, it’s really hard to combat the virus,” said Davis.
As of now, there have been no reported cases of EHV-1 in Florida, and Davis’s horses remain healthy. However, she remains vigilant, watching for any warning signs.
“We monitor their breathing, sweating, how they’re walking, just those kinds of things to make sure they’re healthy,” said Davis.
Nearby, a local lab is researching ways to support horse health as the virus spreads in the western United States.
“EHV-1 is a fast-acting neurologic virus… and this strain is more aggressive, and they’re having a harder time treating it,” said Callie, a researcher at the lab.
Brian Dickerson, CEO of the lab, emphasized the importance of maintaining horse immunity, especially during this time of year.
“Anybody with horses in Southwest Florida need to be making sure their horse has a strong immunity for all the horses coming down from up north,” said Dickerson.
The lab is developing supplements to help keep horses like Davis’s healthy.
“We grow specific plants and extract those botanicals and the flavonoids from those plants,” said Dickerson. “And we’ve got great examples of it helping horses in the past.”