No new cases of horse virus in three weeks, quarantines lifted

TALLAHASSEE, Florida (AP)--No new cases of a highly contagious horse virus have been reported in more than three weeks and all quarantines have been lifted, Florida state agriculture officials said Jan. 23.

Six horses died from the equine herpes virus, and 12 recovered after receiving treatment. The outbreak began in November when horses imported from Europe through a federal quarantine site in New York were brought to Wellington in Palm Beach County.

Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson said he is confident that it has been brought under control.

"Identification of infected and exposed horses, implementation of biosecurity measures and other proactive measures taken by horse owners prevented further spread of this disease," Bronson said in a statement.

Some stables voluntarily began contamination measures and restricted horse movements. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services also placed 10 sites under quarantine in Wellington, Jupiter, Indiantown, Morriston, Loxahatchee and Ocala.

The virus, which is not harmful to humans, can cause respiratory disease, abortion and sometimes neurological problems in horses. It is spread through the air but also can be carried on shoes, clothing, hands and equipment.

Date: 6/8/07