Equine Herpes Virus-1 and Equine Herpes Virus-4 in Horses

Horses, like any other animal people keep as pets, can suffer from a number of diseases and conditions. One condition that can affect horses is herpes virus. If you own a horse as a pet, you need to be able to recognize the signs of herpes virus so that you can get your pet proper treatment as this condition can have devastating consequences.

According to Pet MD, there are five subtypes of herpes virus, which affect horses of which equine herpes virus-1 and equine herpes virus-4 are the most severe. While equine herpes virus-1 (EHV-1) can cause neurological symptoms, herpes virus-4 (EHV-4) typically only causes respiratory symptoms.

Symptoms of EHV may include fever, coughing, nasal discharge, discharge from the eyes, loss of appetite, lethargy,, and enlarged glands. Additionally, horses who are suffering from the neurologic form of EHV-1 may present with neurological problems, such as weakness in the hind legs, incontinence, paralysis of the hind legs, the loss of skin sensation, and incoordination, according to APHIS Veterinary Services. Furthermore, pregnant females may experience abortion with either EHV-1 or EHV-4, though it is less common in EHV-4.

While any horse may contract the condition, certain risk factors put some pets at risk for becoming sick. These factors include being young, being old, experiencing stress, exposure to other horses or to the virus, and possessing a weak immune system. EHV is very contagious and can easily be spread from one horse to another. Transmission may occur through a human's hands or clothes, through equipment used by an infected horse, and through contact with an infected equine. Additionally, the virus may be contracted while it is airborne, according to doctors at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Herpes can also develop latent infections in horses who have contracted the virus, according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners. When the infection is latent, the horse shows no clinical signs of the illness. However, shedding and reactivation of the virus can occur when a horse is stressed.

Vaccinations are available for equine herpes virus. However, the vaccinations do not provide full protection from the condition. Vaccinations, do appear to lessen the severity and frequency of the herpes virus in horses, though. They also help reduce the possibility of abortion storms, according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

The Association recommends that specific horses be vaccinated against EHV-1 and EHV-4. Specifically, it is recommended for horses who are five years old or younger, show or performance horses, horses who have contact with pregnant mares, horses who live on breeding farms, and horses who live in places where equines are frequently being brought in or removed be vaccinated.

A veterinarian can diagnose your equine with herpes by both examining your pet's symptoms and with a test for specific subtypes of the virus. Antibiotics, medication to clear up mucous, and/or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed for your pet, depending on the symptoms and symptom severity your equine experiences.

If you suspect your horse has equine herpes virus-1 or equine herpes virus-4, please call your veterinarian so that he or she may be examined and receive treatment, if necessary.

Sources:

APHIS: Veterinary Services: Questions and Answers: Equine Herpes Virus:
http://www.cthorsecouncil.org/resources/APHIS+Equine_herpesVirus.pdf

Go Pets America: Equine Herpes Virus:
http://www.gopetsamerica.com/horse/health-care/equine-herpesvirus.aspx

University of Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions: Equine Herpes Virus-1:
http://www.uwex.edu/ces/animalscience/horse/documents/ehvfaq.pdf

Pet MD: Equine Herpes Virus in Horses:
http://www.petmd.com/horse/conditions/reproductive/c_hr_equine_herpes_virus

American Association of Equine Practitioners: Equine Herpes Virus:
http://www.aaep.org/ehv.htm