Equid Herpesvirus-1
(EHV-1)
1.THE DISEASE
EHV -1 is caused by a virus. It can lead to abortion,
respiratory disease and paralysis. It spreads via the
respiratory route and from aborted foetuses and associated
tissues/ fluids.
2.SYMPTOMS
These include mild fever, coughing and discharge from
the nose as well as abortion and paralysis. Mares and
stallions can be Carriers of the virus without showing
any symptoms at all.
3.DISEASE PREVENTION
EHV-1 is a very common virus so avoiding it can be difficult.
However, you can avoid individual abortions and outbreaks
of abortion through good management, hygiene and vaccination.
Management.
Minimise stress in pregnant mares:
· Foal them at home if possible (given adequate
facilities and staff) before sending them to the stallion.
· If they are going to foal at the stallion stud,
send them at least one month before the foaling date.
· Avoid transporting them with other stock. At
the stallion stud.
· Put the healthy pregnant mares in small groups,
separated from ALL other horses on the premises.
· Isolate mares in late pregnancy and mares from
sales yards and abroad.
· Isolate any foster mare coming onto the stud
until you are sure that her foal's death was not causes
by EHV-1.
Hygiene
· Clean and disinfect stables and vehicles used
for horse transport regularly; use approved disinfectants
and steam cleaning.
· Separate staff should attend to separate groups
of horses if possible. If not possible, deal with pregnant
mares first each day.
Vacination
· Vaccination of all mares and other stock on your premises
is recommended. NB: vaccination cannot replace good
management and hygiene.
4.DISEASE CONTROL
If a mare aborts, or a foal is ill or dead, or a foal
becomes ill within 14 days of birth:
· Seek veterinary advice IMMEDIATELY.
· Isolate the mare or mare and foal; send samples
and the foetus. Carcass to a competent laboratory for
diagnosis, as instructed by your veterinary surgeon.
· Stop movement on/off the premises; notify owners
of mares due to visit the premises.
· Disinfect and destroy bedding. Clean and disinfect
stables and vehicles used for horse transport.
· Isolate all mares in contact with the suspect
mare/foal into small groups to minimise the spread of
infection.
NB: Other pregnant mares may still abort.
If laboratory results confirm
EHV-1:
· Maintain the infected mare/mare and foal and
other in-contact mares in isolation and maintain the
movement restrictions and hygiene measures for at least
one month.
· Notify all of the following:
(i) your breeders' association;
(ii) owners of horses on your premises;
(iii) owners of horse due to Visit your premises; and
(iv) those responsible for the management of premises
where horses have been sent from your Premises and to
which horses are to be sent from your premises (refer
to the Full Code for additional requirements).
If paralytic EHV-1 is suspected
in any horse:
Seek veterinary advice immediately, isolate the horse(s)
concerned, send samples to a competent laboratory
for diagnosis and stop movement on/off the premises.
For further action needed, refer to the full Codes
of Practice and consult your veterinary surgeon.
|
