2/28/2018
In light of a confirmed case of “EHV-1” (Equine Herpes Virus-1) being reported near Central Virginia, we wanted to share additional information on the virus:
First and foremost, in spite of the media attention, this is still a relatively rare disease. However, we understand that it’s upsetting to imagine this happening to your horse or in your barn. Taking proper biosecurity measures is the key to minimizing the spread of this disease.
Symptoms typically include a fever above 101.5°F and can be accompanied by respiratory signs, including cough or runny nose. If your horse is exhibiting any of these symptoms, please call us at (804) 798-3281.
Here are some suggestions for those of you who travel with your horse(s):
- Make sure all vaccines are up to date.
- Use your own equipment including buckets, tack halters, and lead ropes.
- Strip old bedding from stalls making sure to remove all organic material.
- Disinfect the stalls before adding new bedding. This virus is easily killed with most disinfectants/detergents.
- Avoid communal feed (including grazing) and water sources.
- No nose to nose contact with other horses.
- Use hand sanitizers. People can inadvertently spread this from horse to horse.
- While there is not evidence that the vaccine is effective in preventing against the neurologic form of the virus, it is important to maintain up-to-date vaccine status to help minimize viral shedding.
For more in depth reading on “EHV-1”, please check out the following articles:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/34848/ehv-1-what-are-we-learning
http://www.equinediseasecc.org/alerts/outbreaks
https://aaep.org/sites/default/files/Documents/DiseaseFactsheetEHM.pdf
http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/animals-equine-herpes-virus.shtml