IMPORTANT NEWS FROM BRAZOS VALLEY EQUINE HOSPTIAL - May 18, 2011 -An outbreak of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHV-1) (neurological form of herpes virus infection) has been traced to horses who attended the NCHA’s Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah on April 30 - May 8, 2011. Horses from this show returned to at least 9 states and Canada. This illness has impacted many shows and training schedules.
We wanted to send an update on the current EHV-1 status. To date there have been zero cases of disease reported in horses unless they were at the cutting horse show in Ogden, Utah or directly exposed to those horses when they returned to the farm. There will likely be horses that test positive for EHV-1 soon, but if they are appropriately quarantined and stay home they are low risk to spreading this virus. Our recommendation to horse owners is to still stay home and not travel until more information is available. As long as this is contained to horses exposed in Ogden, Utah or on the farm, there will not be a prolonged outbreak. If you feel strongly you must attend a competition we suggest the following:
1. Practice excellent biosecurity for you and your horses. Competing in the same arenas is not a problem, but stabling near, sharing water, and nose to nose contact with shedding horses may spread the disease.
2. Closely observe your horse and take a rectal temperature twice daily
3. Vaccinate your horse with either Rhinomune or Pneumobort K at least 14 days prior to travel
4. Treat your horse with Valtrex while you are at the event. Valtrex is a type of antiviral that is most effective when given early in the course of the disease
5. Treat your horse with Asprin. The neurologic signs are thought to be caused by blood clots secondary to inflammation of the blood vessels. Aspirin may help reduce the clinical signs. Do not give Aspirin with Bute, Banamaine, Equioxx, or other NSAIDs
6. Treat your horse with L-Lyseine. Lyseine has some antiviral properties in other species. It has not been studied in horses, but is not likely to cause a problem.
7. After returning home stable your horse away from the general population for 21 days and continue to monitor rectal temperatures twice daily. You can continue to use the same training facilities but do not share equipment between horses. As long as there is no fever or illness you can safely return to the general population after 21 days.
UPDATE:
Brazos Valley Equine Hospital has identified a horse positive with Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHV-1) (neurological form of herpes virus infection) on a PCR test. The horse is not symptomatic, currently on anti-viral drugs, and has been well quarantined since arrival in Parker County. in Weatherford, Texas. Particular exposure has been contained. This horse does not pose a threat to other horses. No other horses have tested positive at this time.
