equine herpes virus

Following news of a confirmed case of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in Virginia, we learn that veterinarians in Minnesota have declared a voluntary lockdown following an outbreak involving nine horses in that state and in western Wisconsin. EHM is neurological disease in horses caused by Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). The veterinarians recommended that no horses be moved or intermingled in the state for at least two weeks after the last positive case of the virus is confirmed. The timing is such that three hundred stalls likely remained empty at the annual Minnesota Horse Expo this year. Symptoms of EHM start with runny nose and low-grade fever and progress to neurological problems. If not treated, the horse may lose the ability to walk in just a week. Of the nine cases in Minnesota and environs, three horses required euthanization as of mid-April. The Virginia Department of Animal and Consumer Services  recommends the following biosecurity measures for all horses that will come into contact with other horses at shows, trail rides, meets and other events: Minimize direct contact between assembled horses whenever possible.1.    Clean and disinfect equipment, feed, tack, stalls and other surfaces that are shared between horses.2.    Isolate and closely monitor horses that are returning from a show, trail ride or competition for a minimum of 14 days.3.    Clean and disinfect caretakers’ hands, clothing, shoes and vehicles that may be contaminated by other horses or equipment.4.    Consult with your veterinarian about a vaccination schedule for diseases of concern such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, Equine Rhinopneumonitis and rabies. Your equine veterinarian can also provide you with biosecurity recommendations that are specifically tailored to your horses and your facility. Horse exhibitors and event goers can monitor their horses for early signs of infection by taking their temperature twice a day while at shows and reporting an elevated temperature to their veterinarian. Click for more details concerning the Minnesota outbreak. Posted May 6, 2014    http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/25236679/horses-banned-from-expo-due-to-contagious-virus

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

Horse owners in the west, where many horse shows, rodeos, and other equine activities have been cancelled or postponed because of an outbreak of the potentially deadly equine herpes virus, are breathing easier. According to the Colorado Department of Agriculture, no new cases of the disease have been confirmed there since May 20. In Washington, Dr. Leonard Eldridge, the state veterinarian believes that sufficient time has elapsed for signs of the disease to appear in horses that attended the Cutting Horse event in Ogden, Utah, from where the disease spread. Any positive or exposed animals showing no symptoms after twenty-one days may be released from quarantine with written laboratory confirmation that the horse is no longer contagious. Dr. Eldridge has recommended further that any horse that has not tested positive, exhibited symptoms, or been exposed to a confirmed positive horse be cleared for travel. The virus is most commonly spread via direct horse-to-horse contact, but horse tack, equipment, and people’s clothing may also be a contributor. Symptoms in horses include fever, sneezing, nasal discharge, decrease in coordination, and hind end weakness. Horse owners in the affected states—California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington—are still urged to be vigilant. More details may be had in John Tattum’s Greeley Tribune report and the King 5 report, both of June 3. Posted June 4, 2011