PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A total of six horses have been diagnosed with EHV1 from the Dixie Stampede herd.
The first horse, Sandy Jo, had to be euthanized over the weekend for getting the virus, known as equine herpes.
The virus spreads easily from horse to horse. It's transmitted through the air.
Now two American Paint, 2 American Quarter horses, and one Percheron also have the virus. They are now separated from the herd and being treated.
The Dixie Stampede says the prognosis for them is good and treatment at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center will continue.
The USDA has inspected Dixie Stampede and commended the facility on its disinfection and treatment protocol.
The symptoms to watch out for? Fever would come first, followed by wobbliness, muscle twitching, weakness, and inability to stand.
If your horse shows any of these you need to get it away from other horses, and get it checked out by a vet.
Dr. Dennis Geiser, the head of the UT Veterinary Center, said preventing the spread comes down to good hygiene.
"Keep them healthy, vaccinate them, deworm them, and just practice good hygiene on your farm, and especially when you go to horse shows and events. Not sharing buckets and brushes and other equipment that might get contaminated with secretions from another horse," he said.
Humans and other animals are not at risk for contracting equine herpes.
Posted by: Leslie Location: Tennessee on Sep 20, 2011 at 11:14 PMWow, we were other in Pigeon Forge this weekend, didnt know anything about it. Sorry to hear that a horse had to be put down. We went to the Dixie Stampede last year and watched a show. Great show and beautiful horses. So sad
