Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center in Kennett Square has entered into a self-imposed equine quarantine for equine herpes myeloencephalitis (EHM).

The animal hospital has canceled all elective equine appointments until further instructions from the regional state veterinarian.

At present, New Bolton will only receive equine emergency admissions. Meanwhile, other animals such as cows and sheep are still being admitted and discharged without restriction.

Field Service operations have also not been affected and the center will proceed with regular appointments for non-equine animals. Additionally, reproductive services at the Hofmann Center are unaffected.

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The issue started on Jan. 16, when a horse admitted to the hospital for non-neurologic symptoms tested positive for equine herpesvirus (EHV-1). While the horse was displaying signs compatible with EHM, it had a non-traditional presentation for EHM. This included a low-grade fever before several days of normal temperatures prior to the development of neurologic signs.

New Bolton is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to ensure that any possible spread of the infection is contained and to determine the quarantine’s duration. The animal hospital has also implemented biosecurity measures to protect other horses already hospitalized.

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