MANHATTAN — Kansas State University and Missouri University veterinarians have issued an alert about a deadly horse disease that’s exploding across the western U.S. So far, there are no confirmed cases of equine herpes virus myeloencephalopathy, also called EHV-1, in Kansas or Missouri. However, it has been confirmed in Colorado. As of Wednesday, there have been 14 confirmed cases, including five deaths. This outbreak appears to have spread from a cutting horse competition in Utah. K-State veterinary professor Beth Davis said ehv-1 is contagious and can be spread horse-to-horse and through the air and also be spread by contaminated hands of horse handlers, equipment and tack. She says EHV-1 can also spread to mules, donkeys, llamas and alpacas. It doesn’t affect humans.
Thursday, May 19, 11 a.m.
