Quarantine Update for the UGA Large Animal Teaching Hospital

 The large animal side of the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital is still under quarantine for the equine herpesvirus. Based on recommended protocols, the earliest the Large Animal Hospital would be able to reopen is Feb. 19. However, they will continue to accept ruminants (cows, sheep and goats) and pigs on an emergency only basis. At this time, none of the horses that are under quarantine at the Hospital are showing signs or have tested positive for equine herpesvirus. The only horse that has tested positive for EHV-1 at the Hospital is the original affected horse that came into the Hospital on the evening of Jan. 31 and was humanely euthanized on Feb. 1 due to progressive neurological disease. EHV-1 is a type of equine herpesvirus infection that is highly contagious to other horses and can cause abortion, respiratory disease and neurologic disease. The virus is species specific, so it does not affect humans, dogs, cats, etc.; however, alpacas and llamas can be affected. Hospital personnel are continuing to work closely with the State Veterinarian’s Office and other experts on equine herpesvirus and are following recommended quarantine protocols. For more information, please visit http://vet.uga.edu/news/view/temporary-closing-of-uga-large-animal-veterinary-teaching-hospital. The State Veterinarian’s Office also released a statement last week: http://agr.georgia.gov/equine-herpesvirus-myeloencephalopathy.aspx