Equine Herpesvirus confirmed in Ada County

A case of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) has been diagnosed in a horse in Ada County, according to the

.

The department notes that number of horses infected in Idaho is still only one, and has been quarantined. The Department of Agriculture states:

"The horse traveled to the Salty Dash Futurity in South Jordan, UT from March 15-17. Horse presented with fever, ataxia and urinary incontinence on March 27th. The horse has not traveled to any other events or locations since returning from the futurity and is currently under veterinary care at a private equine facility in Ada County"

While there are zero reports of the equine virus here in Twin Falls County, many in the horse community are naturally considered. The virus is highly contagious and even fatal. The reported case in Ada county has already started to impact several community events.

"The producers of three major events that were going to occur this weekend in the Magic Valley have chosen to close their events," DVM, Melinda Roche says. "The risk is honestly very low, but we don't want people to be concerned about."

Among those events cancled this weekend in Twin Falls are the SIBRA Barrel Race at CSI, as well as the 6th District High School Rodeo in Filer. Roche stresses the virus is not in Twin Falls County, and that if you do believe you horse is showing

you should contact your veterinarian.