New York horse owners are being alerted to the outbreak of equine herpes virus, EHV-1, that is traced to horses that attended the National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championship in Ogden, Utah April 30 through May 8.

No New York horses are known to have been exposed to the virus at the Utah show, but the state Department of Agriculture and Markets is closely monitoring the situation in the western U.S. and has been in close contact with federal animal health authorities and other states.

Horses from about 29 states are believed to have been exposed to EHV-1 at the show.

Equine Herpes virus is commonly found in equine populations worldwide, and can cause respiratory disease, abortion, and sometimes neurologic disease.

While EHV-1 is highly contagious among horses, it does not pose a threat to human health.

New York State Veterinarian Dr. David Smith advises horse owners concerned about EHV-1 to contact a veterinarian.

In general, exposed horses should be isolated and have their temperatures monitored twice daily for at least 21 days. If an exposed horse develops a fever or other signs consistent with EHV-1 infection, diagnostic testing should be performed.

Testing healthy horses is generally not recommended.