HORSE OWNERS TO BE AWARE OF EQUINE HERPES VIRUS
MAY 18, 2011
Saskatchewan horse owners are reminded to practice proper bio-security measures with their animals following the confirmation of the Equine Herpes Virus-1 (nEVH-1) in a Southern Alberta horse that recently returned from the United States. The horse is isolated and is recovering. Horse owners should monitor their animals for signs of infection and call your veterinarian if your horse is not well.
Equine Herpes Virus-1 is an infectious disease of horses that occurs in horse populations worldwide. The classical form of the disease causes respiratory disease, abortions in mares and rarely neurological (brain and spinal cord) disease. In the past several years a new strain of the virus has emerged in North America that cause more severe disease. It is called neuropathogenic or neurotropic EHV-1. This virus poses no human health risk.
The virus can be spread between horses through the nasal secretions of infected horses, or transferred indirectly by people and equipment. The best practices to protect your horses form this and other infectious diseases are to:
Follow sound bio-security practices that prevent infectious disease spread including:
* Pay strict attention to hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly after handling each horse;
* Don't share equipment and feeding utensils between horses;
* Change your clothes and footwear after handling sick equines;
* Disinfect any environment and equipment exposed to sick equines (stalls, trailers, tack);
* Monitor your horses closely for signs of infection (fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, lethargy, etc.);
* If your horse shows signs of disease, isolate it from other horses immediately;
* Call your veterinarian if your horse is not well to determine the cause of illness;
* Prevent exposure of your horse to sick horses;
* Vaccinate your horses against common infectious diseases. While vaccinations don't specifically protect horses against nEHV-1, they do prevent other diseases and make your horse more likely to remain healthy. Speak to your veterinarian about the vaccines you should use on your horses; and
* Discuss bio-security with your veterinarian and develop a protocol specific to your situation.
Horse owners are encouraged to contact their local veterinarian to discuss their concerns regarding nEHV-1 and bio-security practices.
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