Westford MA, June 8th, 2011.  Volo Farm is pleased to report an end to their quarantine. State officials released us from quarantine on June 7th.

The farm owned pony “Bullwinkle” was tested on April 26th, and was positive for both the respiratory and neurologic strains of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV1). Volo staff immediately placed the farm on voluntary quarantine, with no horses moving in or out. State officials placed the farm under quarantine on May 4th.

Ultimately thirteen horses became sick before the illness was stopped. Of the thirteen horses two exhibited neurologic symptoms, one suffered from pneumonia, and the remaining ten had fevers with no other symptoms. Each horse was kept on FluMeghumine for at least 5 days to keep the fever down. In addition to taking the temperatures of all the affected horses three times daily, the horses were also checked by Dr. Sarah Gomez and Dr Brett Gaby from Essex Equine early in their illness for other more severe symptoms. Older horses and those found to have ataxia were treated with fluids, electrolytes, vitamins and DMSO.

Volo staff used strong bio-security measures along with treating all horses with the anti viral drug Valacyclovir to help contain the virus. Bio-security included foot baths at all doors, hand sanitizer, and providing each horse with its own labeled stable equipment. Volo divided the horses into three groups based on symptoms and possibility of exposure to an infected horse. They then assigned the horses to three separate staff groups to limit cross contamination. Each morning staff members learned which group of horses they would be caring for and could handle for that day.

All human traffic except staff was halted for a two week period at the farm. All staff including instructors and trainers spent their days taking temperatures, crushing and dosing pills, giving shots, turning out and feeding. No horses worked during this two week period to lower risk of any kind of stress. Customers provided food and moral support for the staff. The home cooked goodies were a welcome treat at meal times. Volo reintroduced customers in stages to lower the level of foot traffic while the horses recovered. Owners came to see their horses first, then leasers returned and ultimately school students returned on May 24th almost a full four weeks after the first fevers. All staff, students and owners were advised to limit contact with horses outside the Volo herd. If it was necessary to come in contact with other horses they were advised to shower, change clothing and disinfect personal items before going to other horse properties.

Volo Farm is happy to report that all horses have returned to good health and are back to their pre-quarantine work schedules. Volo is planning their summer schedule with renewed excitement. If you have any questions please contact Volo at 978-692-7060 or Info@volofarm.com