Animal Industry - Equine Herpes Virus Type 1 Information
The Georgia Department of Agriculture wants equestrians to be aware of the recent cancellation of two large horse shows in Florida. According to The Horse Magazine, The American Grand Prix Association Championship and the Christmas Festival Horse Show scheduled for the weekend of December 16th in Wellington, Florida were canceled due to an outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) 1 in the immediate area. Equine Herpes Virus is the agent for the disease, Equine Rhinopneumonitis which has various clinical signs which may include fever, respiratory discharge, neurological symptoms, and/or abortion.
Vaccination offers protection against the disease, but is not recommended on premises where an outbreak or recent exposure is suspected. Supportive care is the treatment of choice for Rhinopneumonitis which in the case of the neurological form is usually disappointing.
In order to reduce exposure to all equine diseases, new additions to a facility should be isolated for four weeks to reduce disease transmission to other horses. During isolation or a disease outbreak, biosecurity measures including disinfectant foot baths, hand washing, and appropriate isolation is recommended. For further information on Equine Biosecurity, please see the APHIS, Veterinary Services information sheet
For the latest information on Florida’s equine herpes virus outbreak, contact The Florida Department of Agriculture Web-site: http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/
The Horse Magazine article link: http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=8435
Excerpt from above link:
“Because EHV-1 can spread through direct contact or through the air, the disease is a concern where groups of horses congregate. The clinical signs of EHV-1 include fever and nasal discharge, and more rarely, neurologic signs (including an inability to control the hind limbs and tail) and abortions. Scientists definitively diagnose EHV-1 infections on virus culture from blood or nasal secretions, PCR (polymerase chain reaction test, a DNA test of blood or nasal secretions), or serology (blood antibody titers).”
In Georgia, any laboratory confirmation of Equine Rhinopneumonitis (Type 1 or 4) is reportable by the close of the next business day to either the Offices of the State Veterinarian, (404) 656-3667 or 1- 800-282-5852 or the Area Veterinarian in Charge at (770) 922-7860.
Detailed information on Equine Herpes – type 1 is available from the Gluck Equine Research Center at: http://www.ca.uky.edu/gluck/BiblioEHV1.asp
The American Association of Equine Practitioners has further information at: http://www.xcodesign.com/aaep/displayArticles.cfm?ID=222
Georgia Dept of Agriculture Press Release: Press Release 12/19/2006
Print this