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J&H Stables in Raleigh experienced several cases of the rare neurological form of EHV-1. In its normal state, EHV-1 affects a horses respiratory tract and sometimes causes miscarriages in pregnant mares. It is extremely contagious among horses, but it is not communicable to humans or animals such as cattle. SAMANTHAGILMANsgilman@newsobserver.com

Four horses euthanized last month had contracted the rare neurological form of EHV-1, the equine herpes virus, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirmed.

After receiving reports of the deaths, state officials began investigating the virus that made the horses so ill. The affected horses showed symptoms of fever and were extremely uncoordinated, but it was not immediately apparent that the horses had neurological EHV-1.

You cant distinguish it from rabies or triple E (eastern equine encephalitis virus that affects a horses brain), or West Nile virus, said Dr. Tom Ray, director of animal health programs for the states agriculture department.

Officials sent samples to a testing lab in Ames, Iowa, for a verification of the virus. The results returned on Dec. 23, and the agriculture department immediately quarantined J&H Stables, where the cases allegedly appeared.

All 29 horses at the stables were exposed to neurological EHV-1 and are being monitored. The boarding facility will remain under quarantine for 28 days after the last signs of fever disappear from any of the horses.

J&H Stables offers boarding, western riding lessons, summer camps and other family-oriented horsemanship activities on 66 acres in northwest Raleigh. According to their website, the fully-booked facility has been in business since 1967.

Contagious only to horses

In its normal state, EHV-1 affects a horses respiratory tract and sometimes causes miscarriages in pregnant mares. It is extremely contagious among horses, but it is not communicable to humans or animals such as cattle.

Its like the common cold we get as humans, Ray said.

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Neurological form of EHV-1 proves deadly for 4 Raleigh horses