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Quarantine Lifted at Allegheny County Stable

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A quarantine at Rolling Hills Ranch stable in Bridgeville, Allegheny County, has been lifted after samples collected from all 116 horses there tested negative for the neurologic form of Equine Herpesvirus, or EHV-1, Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff said today.

There is no threat to human health from EHV-1.

The quarantine was established on July 20 when at least three horses tested positive for the neurologic form of EHV-1. It was ordered to restrict the movement of horses at the stable and stop the spread of the disease.

Consistent with the quarantine order, 21 days passed, beginning Aug. 1, without any horses exhibiting signs consistent with EHV-1.

Six horses were euthanized between July 17 and July 31 because they displayed clinical signs consistent with the neurologic form of EHV-1 including loss of coordination, weakness or paralysis of the hind limbs, and incontinence. Other forms of EHV-1 do occur in horses, but the neurologic form is a deadly transmissible disease.

There is no known, reliable method to prevent the neurologic form of EHV-1 infection. The department advises horse owners to maintain appropriate vaccination procedures to reduce the likelihood of infection.

For more information about the Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on "Animal and Plant Health" on the left navigation.

    CONTACT:  Justin Fleming
              717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture