Preventing the Spread of Equine Herpes Virus Among Horses

If you are the owner of several horses or if you run a breeding farm, you know that equine herpes virus is a common and highly contagious condition affecting horses. Fortunately, there are several ways in which you can prevent the spread of equine herpes virus among your horses if one of them happens to become ill.

Isolate: If you have a horse who is showing signs of equine herpes virus (EHV), you should quarantine him or her from the other horses. A horse who is showing symptoms of equine herpes should be isolated for 21 days. It is always advisable to get your veterinarian's opinion about when he or she can be reunited with other horses you have. Equine herpes virus-1 and equine herpes virus-4 may include respiratory and/or neurological symptoms. Respiratory symptoms that may be seen in EHV include fever, persistent cough, nasal discharge, and loss of appetite. Neurological symptoms that may be seen when a horse is affected with EHV include: weakness or paralysis in the hind legs, an abnormal gait, lack or coordination, and incontinence.

Additionally, when you bring a new horse onto your farm or into your barn, you should isolate him or her for at least 7 days. If he or she shows any signs of herpes, have him or her evaluated by a veterinarian before you move your equine into a barn with any other horses you have. These same precautions should be taken for equines who come home from traveling to shows or races.

Do Not Share Equipment: Herpes virus in horses can be spread from one equine to another when equipment utilized on a sick horse is then used on a healthy horse. For this reason, do not share equipment among your horses. This equipment may include buckets to feed and water your horses and bridles.

Handling Horses: In addition, the equine herpes virus can be transferred through a human's hands or clothes; special precautions should be made when you are caring for a sick equine. Specifically, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, a caretaker should care for all healthy horses before you take care of any sick horses you have; in other words, take care of your sick horses last. If it is at all possible, it is ideal to have different individuals taking care of sick horses and healthy horses so that there is even less opportunity for the virus to spread.

After you are done caring for a sick horse, the California Department of Food and Agriculture also recommends that you change your clothes and disinfect your boots. According to Horse Hints, using 1 part bleach to 10 parts water is an effective solution for disinfecting boots and any parts of your barn that may have been exposed to a sick horse. This will also reduce the chances of spreading the herpes virus among horses. Finally, you should wash your hands in between caring for each horse.

Vaccinate: Unfortunately, there are not currently any vaccinations to prevent EHV; however, vaccinations for EHV can lessen the severity of the condition if your horse becomes sick. It is a good idea to discuss vaccinating your horses with your veterinarian before an outbreak of equine herpes virus occurs in your barn.

Equine herpes virus is a common condition among horses. If you suspect or know your horse is suffering from EHV, please utilize these precautions to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to other horses in your possession. Always contact a veterinarian for diagnosis, treatment, and medical advice regarding sick horses.

Sources:

Horses in the South: Equine Herpes Virus Type 1: Symptoms, Problems, and Treatment:
http://horsesinthesouth.com/Articles/Diseases-Health/EHV1/EquineHerpesVirus-symptoms-problems-treatment.asp

Utah State University: Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1):
http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/ag_equine_2008-03pr.pdf

B.W. Furlong & Associates: Equine Herpes Virus (Rhino) - Type 1:
http://www.bwfurlongnj.com/articles/ehv1.html

California Department of Food and Agriculture: Equine Herpes Virus:
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/equine_herpes_virus.html

Horse Hints: Equine Rhinopneumonitis Virus (EHV-1):
http://horsehints.org/EquineRhinopneumonitisVirus.htm