Articles - Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1)

Summary:

There has been an introduction of a much more potent strain of EHV-1 (Equine Herpes Virus-1) recently. This neurogenic form is a genetic variant of the previously prevalent respiratory/reproduction strain of EHV-1 which has been present in the equine population here in the U.S. and for which we routinely immunize horses for protection. The prevalent respiratory strain of EHV-1 frequently affects horses under stress and these horses, while often manifesting "flu-like symptoms", generally recover without incident. The neurogenic strain, however, is a newly-introduced and potentially lethal form of EHV-1 and therefore has been the focus of horse, farms, and racetrack quarantine measures.

On 12/30/06 a single horse at Webb with a "fever of unknown origin" was tested for EHV-1 and was positive. This horse does not exhibit neurological signs and is most likely the "routine" upper respiratory form of EHV-1, however, further tests are being performed to identify the specific strain recovered on the test.

At this time there is no quarantine or reason for panic. The attached general guidelines for prevention are provided for your consideration/application. Overall, the recommended approach at this time is to:

• minimize stress and unnecessary contact with other horses, especially any horses appearing sick;
• avoid commingling water sources, feed buckets, brushes, and other implements as well as common tie posts, etc;
• clean trailers between horse transports (guidelines available by request);
• monitor your horse for signs of illness or fever daily and if noted, contact your veterinarian for advice and evaluation.
• contact your veterinarian to assure your horse’s immunization status is current and with questions regarding prevention.

Equipment / Trailer Disinfection Protocol:

1. Wash feed tubs, waterers, grooming aids, and other horse-contact objects with dishwashing detergent or similar soap.  AVOID pressure washing or spraying as this aerosolizes viruses – instead, use low pressure water to rinse.
2. Bleach (1:10 1 part bleach in with 9 parts water) rinses can be used on walls, floors, etc but is deactivated by organic material so needs to be fresh and free of debris when applied.
3. Techtrol® is often used on trailers between horses as bleach is corrosive to metals with repeated application.
4. Operators/owners should use Purell® hand cleaner between horses.

FAQs:

Click here to read answers to some common questions about EHV-1.

 

Additional Articles:

American Association of Equine Practioners (view go to "Clinical Signs" and "BioSecurity Guidelines")

University of Kentucky - College of Agriculture

Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services - Press Release

General Articles Listing

 

Additional EHV Links:

www.aaep.org

www.thehorse.com

www.faep.net

Peninsula Equine Medical Center
(650) 854-3162 | peneq@yahoo.com
100 Ansel Lane, Menlo Park, CA 94028

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