Ehv-1 virus updates

Abstract Equine herpesvirus-1 EHV-1 is one of the most important and prevalent viral pathogens of horses and a major threat to the equine industry throughout most of the world. Publication types Review. It can be viewed here. A previous US Equestrian press release outlines biosecurity measures horse owners and riders can take.

You can view the release here. Carolina International H. Tryon International Equestrian Center. Red on right, white on left, insanity in the middle. Stock image. For this reason, it can become hard to control very swiftly — particularly as carriers may not show any symptoms while actively spreading the virus over its 2—10 day incubation period.

Fluorescent antibody FA testing was positive for EHV 1 rhinopneumonitis virus on placenta, fetal lung, kidney and adrenal gland. EHV 1 virus was grown from fetal tissue on viral isolation.

Histologic description of the lung and thymus included intranuclear inclusion bodies, which is a hallmark of herpes virus. The virus can survive up to 7 days in the environment under normal circumstances but can remain alive for a maximum of one month under perfect environmental conditions. The most important measure is to first clean equipment and horse housing areas.

Please note: It is important to wash and rinse surfaces when possible prior to applying disinfectants. Cleaning first allows for removal or organic material which makes the disinfectants more effective. After cleaning the surface, follow with a disinfection process. The virus is easily killed in the environment by most disinfectants. Conventional disinfectants and detergents are the best.

It is important to perform hand hygiene wash hands with soap and dry thoroughly or use alcohol based hand sanitizer when moving between horses that are grouped separately to avoid spreading pathogens that may contaminate your hands.

What are some of the signs of EHV? After infection, the incubation period may be as short as 24 hours, is typically days, but can be longer. EHV-1 typically causes a biphasic two-phase fever peaking on day 1 or 2 and again on day 6 or 7. With respiratory infections there is often serous or mucoid nasal and ocular discharge, but not a lot of coughing.

There may be some persistent enlargement of submandibular lymph nodes lymph nodes under the jaw. With the neurologic form, there are typically minimal respiratory signs, fever rectal temperature greater than Neurologic disease appears suddenly and is usually rapidly progressing, reaching its peak intensity within 24 to 48 hours from onset of initial neurologic signs.

Clinical signs of the neurologic disease may include:. How is EHM diagnosed? Diagnosis of EHM is based on clinical signs and detection of the virus.

Diagnostics performed by your veterinarian may include:. Is it safe to travel with my horse? Safety and precaution is always recommended, even when an outbreak has not occurred. Biosecurity is important at all times. It is advised to seek updates from the event organizer and from State Animal Health Officials. How do I handle horses returning from events where they may have been exposed to EHV? Infections other than EHV-1 can also spread by horse-to-horse contact, s o keeping a horse with a fever isolated is a very good practice in any case.

However, any horse returning from any event should be isolated to prevent the spread of any infectious pathogen whether or not there is a fever. If you handle a horse with EHV-1 and don't wash your hands or change clothing, the infection may be transmitted to other horses.

A solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water is effective for decontaminating equipment and environment.