Gig Harbor Horse Community on Alert Over Horse Herpes

Gig Harbor horse owners and service providers are on alert and taking precautionary measures – even putting their barns in lockdown – in response to the outbreak of a contagious and potentially deadly equine virus that has infected more than 34 horses and killed seven in nine states, including Washington.

As of last Friday, three horses in Washington were confirmed to have the Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1), including one being treated at nearby Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital in Snohomish. Over the weekend, however, "The Olympian" reported another two suspected cases had also been confirmed, citing a Washington Department of Agriculture spokesman as its source.

As a result, local equestrian centers, including Green Hills Farm and Rainsong Ranch, have essentially closed for business, neither letting horses onto nor off of the property until the disease is under control. They’ve stepped up sanitary procedures when handling horses, are on the lookout for symptoms, and, in at least one case, aren’t allowing farriers onsite to do hoof trimming or shoeing.

“We’re keeping an eye out for snotty noses, coughing or sneezing, which are some of the symptoms and making sure there are no signs of fever,” said Allyson Green, who runs Green Hills with her mother, Sandy. “At this point, most of the barns in Gig Harbor are doing that as well.”

Individuals who own horses are equally concerned. ’s Leah Stroh said the store has received numerous inquiries since news of the outbreak surfaced on May 16. “They are wondering how much contact does there have to be,” said Stroh. “So we did some research and downloaded three articles for our customers to read.”

The outbreak started at a National Cutting Horse Association event held in early May in Ogden, Utah, where 308 horses were exposed to the disease, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Horses contract EHV-1 from infected horses as well as from water, hay or fencing that’s been contaminated by an infected horse’s mucus. Handlers also can transfer it from their clothing, tools and grooming supplies. However, the virus is not transmissible to humans.

The virus and its flu-like symptoms, in fact, have been around for years. Most horses contract EHV-1 by the age of two and are treated effectively with vaccines. But the latest outbreak has included a newer, mutant form of horse herpes with more severe neurological symptoms – poor coordination or rear paralysis – that can prove fatal.

Anti-viral medications help nurse infected horses through the new strain, but there’s no reliable cure. Although horses can recover, the virus remains dormant internally and can rear up again under stress.

Of the 34 confirmed cases, 13 are the mutated strain, the USDA reported on May 19. A quarter of the 60 suspected cases  are the neurological form of EHV-1 as well. Overall, more than 1,000 horses have been exposed to the virus since the Utah event.

That's why state and federal veterinary authorities have urged owners to exercise caution and keep their horses corralled. Horse shows and other events have been cancelled or postponed as a result.

“Because it’s gotten so serious and there’s a localized case at Pilchuck, we have decided that our barn is on lockdown,” said Rainsong owner Mindy ONeill. “We’re not allowing horse haul-ins and we’re telling our boarders not to take their horse off the property – that includes shows, trail riding, etc.”

In addition, ONeill has barred farriers from the premises for at least the next 10 days. As an added measure of caution, her daughters won't be riding their horses at the on June 4.

“My girls will be walking instead,” ONeill said.

Green Hills is shut down as well, but Green is still working with her farrier and taking some trail rides. “But it’s with our own horses, going in our own trailer, going to a public place, but not a public horse place,” she said.

While taking precautions may be warranted, Green, who also works two days a week at Northwest Equine Veterinary Associates in Maple Valley, said Gig Harbor horses are at low risk of actually catching the virus. So she sees little reason to panic.

“Vets aren’t walking around in hazmat suits,” she said. “If they aren’t completely over-reacting, then we are probably pretty good.”

Nevertheless, Green won’t return to business as usual until a two-week period (the incubation time to show symptoms) passes without incident.

“Because it’s a big deal and horses are being euthanized for it, you still want to be cautious,” she said. “Is it a little overkill to completely shut the barn down – maybe. But I’d rather that than wish I had.”