Precautions recommended to prevent equine herpesvirus
Several cases of airborne transmitted virus confirmed in western United States
WILLIAMS-The Coconino County Public Health Services District is reminding horse owners to follow appropriate precautions to prevent exposure of horses to equine herpesvirus (EHV-1). Several cases of EHV-1 have recently been reported in several western states. The Arizona Department of Agriculture received laboratory confirmation of EHV-1 infection in an Arizona horse that showed severe neurological disease.
EHV-1 can cause respiratory disease, neurological disease and abortion in pregnant mares. The virus is spread by airborne transmission and also through contact with secretions from infected horses. Horses can pass it among themselves by sharing equipment, tack and feed. The virus can also be transmitted indirectly on stall walls or clothing. While the disease is harmless to humans, it is contagious between horses.
Symptoms of neurologic disease from EHV-1 include lack of coordination in the hind limbs, recumbency (frequent or constant lying down) and partial loss of bladder control. These symptoms sometimes follow respiratory symptoms. The neurologic strain of the disease is of high concern as it has the potential to be fatal and there is no reliable vaccine to protect against it.
Officials suggest owners isolate sick horses and refrain from rotating horses from stall to stall and avoid sharing equipment among horses. Clothing, including riding gloves, helmets and boots, should be thoroughly cleaned when visiting different barns. When working with sick horses, disposable gloves, plastic booties and barrier clothing should be used. After handling sick horses, hands should be washed under running water with pump-dispensed liquid (not bar) soap for a minimum of 20 seconds.
Horses should be watched closely for symptoms. Horse owners should contact their veterinarian if they notice their animals have symptoms of EHV-1 or with questions.
Additional information is available regarding equine herpesvirus is available at the American Association of Equine Practitioners website at http://www.aaep.org or by calling CCPHSD Animal Management at (928) 679-8756, toll-free at (877) 679-7272.
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