The Outbreak of EHV-1 Amongst Horses, What is This Disease?

EHV-1 is becoming more widely known after recent outbreaks among several horses across the country. Equine Herpes Virus-1 is a contagious, viral disease of horses that can cause respiratory disease, abortion in pregnant mares and occasionally a neurological disease. Also known as "Rhinopneumonitis" or in short "Rhino."

The disease is spread through the air, feed and even through your own clothing, boots and hands. It can be highly contagious, but is not spread to humans or any other species of animals. This puts even one-horse owners at risk of having their animal infected, if you have your farrier, vet, trainer or any boarders visiting your barn. It might be best to delay visits until all signs of the disease have passed from your area.

There are other equine diseases though that have similar signs. These would include Equine influenza Virus and West Nile Virus. If your horse has any of the symptoms, such as respiratory troubles, if your pregnant mare has aborted, or your horse is having trouble standing, you will not be able to tell if it is EHV-1 without the guidance of your veterinarian, who will perform a blood test. Blood tests can sometimes take up to a week to come back with either positive or negative results. Any or all signs of the virus typically show up within 21 days of exposure.

There is a vaccine available to help prevent the spread of EHV-1, however it will not protect your horse against the neurological form of the disease. Even if your horse is up to date on all his or her vaccinations, your horse could still possibly contract the disease, although the risk is substantially higher in horses that have not been vaccinated. The horses that are at the most risk would be the very young, very old horses, ones that have been potentially exposed to an affected horse, a horse who's immune system might be compromised, or a horse with a lot of stress. If you are going to be attending any horse shoes, clinics, or any event where there will be several horses, it is imperative to talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating and staying current on all shots.

There are disinfectants that you can use in your barn to possibly kill the EHV-1 virus. Bleach, and certain ammonias should be used to wipe down barn walls, or any area that can be exposed to the virus. If there is an outbreak in your area, it is essentially important to take measures to prevent your horse or horses from getting ill. Symptoms can leave a horse in approximately three to four weeks, so if you can keep your horses away from possible harm for that time, it would be best. Make sure you check on the health of other horses in your area, and keep informed of any potential outbreaks.

If your horse has contracted the disease, quarantine is a must to prevent the spread of illness to other horses. In a mild form of the disease, your horse could completely recover. Horses that have a severe form could possibly also recover, but there would be lasting effects. Generally horses that have a severe form have to be euthanized. Treatment would include rest, an anti-fever medication and antibiotics.

Hopefully with precautions, the spread of EHV-1 can be stopped. A potentially harmful and life threatening disease that is not wished upon to any of our four legged friends.