ehv-1

A horse in Albemarle County, northwest of Charlottesville, Virginia, that displayed neurologic abnormality was confirmed positive for Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) on February 5, 2015. The boarding stable at which the affected horse is located, along with fourteen other horses, has been placed under quarantine. No horses may leave or enter the premises until the quarantine is lifted. EHM is a neurological form of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), a highly infectious disease that generally affects the respiratory system. Although the condition of the horse in Albemarle County has been improving, a horse in Loudoun County was tested positive for the neurolopathogenic strain of EHV-1  on February 12. That horse has been isolated at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, and is also recovering. The farm where the horse was stabled is also under quarantine. Thirty-three other horses at that farm have shown no signs of the disease. Updates are published periodically by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Posted February 20, 2015

Three hunts—Devon and Somerset Staghounds, Exmoor Foxhounds, and Dulverton West Foxhounds—recently cancelled meets due to an outbreak of equine herpes virus (EHV-1) at a North Devon racing yard. EHV-1 is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is transmitted through the air or close contact. Hunt representatives said that the cancellations are precautionary and temporary. Click for more details in the Somerset. http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Hunts-called-equine-herpes-outbreak-racing/story-17381729-detail/story.html

The neurologic form of equine herpes-virus, EHV-1, has been confirmed in a horse that was stabled in Rockingham County, North Carolina. The horse is presently under quarantine at the College of Veterinary Medicine at N.C. State University. This is thought to be the first case of the neurologic form of the disease in North Carolina. EHV-1 is highly contagious among horses, but is not a threat to humans. Vaccines are available that protect horses from most forms of the disease, but not from the strains producing neurologic problems as in this case. Click for more information concerning EHV-1. For questions regarding College of Veterinary Medicine (N.C.) protocols, call David Green at 919-513-6662. Posted January 14, 2012

An outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) has been confirmed in eight western states and Canada. Most of the confirmed positive horses recently attended the national cutting horse championships in Ogden, Utah. Health officials have concluded that the EHV-1 outbreak started there. Owners of horses that attended that event have been urged to notify their veterinarians and isolate and monitor their horses. Seven of the infected horses have died or have been euthanized. Cases have been confirmed across California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Canada. California has the most confirmed cases with thirteen. The outbreak should not be a cause for alarm, but should be taken seriously, experts say. “The first thing to remember,” says Equus Medical Editor Joe Bertone, DMV, “is that these outbreaks have happened for years and years, but didn’t get the press they are getting nowadays. People need to remain calm and follow good hygiene and management practices. The vast majority of horses will not have any issue with this disease.” EHV-1 is highly contagious and is transmitted mainly through nose-to-nose contact between horses. It can also be transmitted by tack, clothing, or through the air for limited distances. Although the disease is not transmitted to people, it is a serious threat to horses and may cause respiratory, neurologic disease, and death. For more details, see Keith Coffman’s article in Reuters. Posted May 20, 2011