Horse Stabled at Peter Weber Tests Positive for Equine Herpes Virus

A horse stabled at in Rolling Hills Estates has tested positive for the common respiratory, non-neuropathogenic strain of Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1).

Peter Weber is currently under quarantine, with no horses moving in or out of the city stables for seven days, Gil Houle, stables concessionaire said. The affected horse, "Special Time," has been put in quarantine at the West Coast Equine Hospital in Somis.

The horse's previous neurological symptoms were caused by a sublexation of the spine, Concessionaire Doreen Houle said in an email.

"Anti-inflammatory drugs have helped him immensely," she said. "He is now doing well."

Local veterinarian Ruth V. Sobeck posted information about the virus on her Facebook page Thursday and explained that "no nearby horses were known to be sick."

The horse started to show neurological symptoms March 23 and lab results received Thursday confirmed the infection, Sobeck said in her post.

The EHV-1 infection in horses can cause neurological and respiratory disease, abortion in mares and neonatal foal death, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

The most recent confirmed cases in Monterey County involve horses affected by the non-neuropathogenic strain of Equine Herpes Virus-1, which is "responsible for the more common respiratory infection," according to the CDFA. 

Horses currently at the stables will be monitored throughout the week for signs of the virus.