Is There A Horse Virus?

EHV is a common DNA virus that occurs in horse populations worldwide. The two most common species are EHV-1, which causes abortion, respiratory disease and neurologic disease; and EHV-4, which usually causes respiratory disease only but can occasionally cause abortion and rarely neurological disease.

What is the new horse virus?

The virus known as equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy, or EHM, can cause “significant consequences” to horses, the state said.

Can humans get EHV?

Human Health
Although humans can’t be infected by EHV-1, they can aid in spreading it to their horses or other horses in their care.

What are the signs of equine herpesvirus?

Clinical signs of EHV-1 and EHV-4 respiratory disease are very similar to equine flu and can include:

• High temperature, above 38.5°C.
• Nasal discharge.
• A dry cough.
• Loss of appetite.
• Reduced performance.
• Lethargy/depression.

Is there an EHV-1 outbreak?

The 2021 EHV-1 outbreak saw an increased number of horses suffer neurological signs; how did vets respond, and what can we learn?

How long does a horse virus last?

The clinical signs generally abate within a few days, but complications due to secondary infections are common. While most animals recover in two weeks, the cough may continue longer and it may take as much as six months for some horses to regain their full ability.

Can a horse recover from EHV?

In most cases, horses exposed to EHV-1 will develop a fever and possibly nasal discharge and then go on to recover. However, the neurologic EHM strain has a high mortality rate of 30-50%. Recovery time can vary from several days to more than a year.

What are the first signs of EPM in horses?

Owners frequently notice obscure lameness, stumbling and incoordination. If the brain stem is involved, usually a head tilt is present. Clinical signs may include: Ataxia (incoordination) and weakness: Generally centered in the rear limbs, symptoms worsen when the head is elevated, or the horse moves up or down slopes.

How do horses get EHV?

EHV-1 is contagious and spread by direct horse-to-horse contact via the respiratory tract through nasal secretions. It is important to know that this virus can also be spread indirectly through contact with physical objects that are contaminated with the virus: Human contaminated hands or clothing.

Can you vaccinate against EHV?

Vaccines available against EHV-1 and EHV-4 infection are available and are being progressively more widely used. They do not completely prevent individual horses from infection but they reduce the risk of infection to other horses and the severity of clinical signs if infection occurs.

Can a horse survive EHV-1?

Almost all horses have been infected with EHV-1 by two years of age and have no serious clinical effects.

What happens when a horse gets EHV-1?

EHV-1 routinely causes upper respiratory infection in young horses (weaning, yearlings, and 2-year-olds) resulting in depression, a snotty nose, loss of appetite and a persistent cough. If a number of young horses are housed or pastured together, most will become sick and then recover uneventfully.

What are the symptoms of EEE in horses?

Severe cases of EEE infection begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting that may progress into disorientation, seizures, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and coma.