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Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Kim Vaughn

What horse owners need to know about Equine Herpes Virus

The equine community in Spokane County is on high alert after two horses tragically succumbed to the neuropathogenic strain of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1), also known as Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM). This highly contagious and potentially fatal disease has prompted the Washington State Department of Agriculture to issue an urgent warning, recommending horse owners take immediate biosecurity measures to prevent further spread.

With two premises under quarantine and a local arena temporarily closed, veterinarians emphasize vigilance and robust biosecurity measures. Steps to isolate recently traveled horses and monitoring for neurologic signs are critical in safeguarding the health of your herd.

As we navigate this challenging time, staying informed and proactive is key. Here’s what every horse owner needs to know about EHV-1, its risks, and the measures you can take to protect your animals.

Understanding EHV

Equine Herpes Virus is a highly contagious viral disease affecting horses, with various forms ranging from respiratory issues to neurological complications. Neurological symptoms, known as Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), can be particularly severe and potentially fatal. Early detection and appropriate biosecurity measures are crucial in containing the spread of EHV.

In case of suspicion, it's essential to notify a veterinarian promptly for further evaluation. Timely intervention can help prevent the spread of the virus and mitigate its impact on both equine health and the broader equestrian community.

What to watch for 

Given the infectious nature of EHV-1, WSDA asks horse owners to follow these recommendations.
Watch your horse for signs of possible infection including:

  • Fever (often preceding neurologic signs)
  • Incoordination
  • Urine dribbling
  • Loss of tail tone
  • Hind limb weakness
  • Leaning on walls or fences for balance
  • Lethargy
  • Inability to rise
Notify your veterinarian immediately if you detect any of the symptoms above. Your veterinarian may want to take nasal swabs for virus detection and blood samples for evidence of exposure to EHV-1. The time between exposure and illness from EHV-1 can be as long as 14 days. By isolating animals with clinical signs, practicing good biosecurity, and contacting your veterinarian as soon as you suspect possible symptoms, you can help prevent the spread of this virus. 

What to do

This is also an important reminder to practice good biosecurity measures when around other horses at clinics, races, competitions, or introducing new horses to your facility. Taking these steps can help protect your horses and others in the community.
  1. Avoid nose-to-nose contact between horses.
  2. Do not share water, buckets, halters, feed bags, grooming or stall cleaning tools. 
  3. Avoid sharing a wash rack or tying your horse to arena panels. Instead, during breaks, return your horse to your trailer and tie them there.
  4. Isolate recently purchased horses or horses returning from a show, training or event where horses are commingled for 21 days.
  5. Check your horses' temperature twice daily.  Call your veterinarian if your horse has a temp of 101.5 or higher
  6. Make sure your horses are up to date on all routine vaccinations recommended by your veterinarian. 

When the virus is detected, WSDA and local veterinarians work closely with affected communities to ensure the best biosecurity standards are practiced.

For more information on EHM and Biosecurity visit the Equine Disease Communication Center. 

Read the news release