Feature


survivability of the virus can be up to one month. It is however easily inactivated by disinfectants, so be sure to scrub tack and transport, wheelbarrows and wellingtons with an appropriate product. Infected premises must be quarantined immediately, with horses confined to the premises in accordance with the attending veterinary surgeon’s instructions. There may be quarantining of different groups with the farm to prevent spread amongst stock at one site. Quarantine means staying on the property with no trips out to competitions, vet clinics or hacking off site until any outbreak is contained.


Vaccination


Vaccination for EHV-1 and 4 assists in controlling infection by decreasing the amount of virus shed, the duration of shedding in nasal secretions and limiting the clinical signs of infection and abortion. This in turn decreases environmental contamination with virus. An inactivated vaccine is available for EHV-1 and 4 but


and viraemia, it is thought to offer some protection.


Only one vaccine for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1 and EHV-4) is currently licensed for use in the UK


should not be administered to in-contact animals during a disease outbreak as there are possible contraindications if they are already infected, and it will interfere with disease monitoring on blood samples. The vaccine gives some protection against the respiratory disease and reduces virus shedding. Importantly though, no EHV vaccine to date has proved effective against EHM, although by decreasing virus shedding


The protocol for vaccination for EHV-1 and EHV-4 is a primary course with a vaccine given on day one and then a second given four to six weeks later. Non-breeding horses should receive booster vaccines every six months. Following a primary course, pregnant mares should be vaccinated at five, seven and nine months of pregnancy to reduce incidence of abortion. Good biosecurity is vital in prevention of EHV and particularly so for pregnant mares. New mares should be quarantined for three weeks before introduction to the herd. Herd groups should be kept the same where possible with stress and movement minimised in the final trimester of the pregnancy.


Treatment


Treating EHV infections, respiratory and neurological, means providing supportive care to the infected animal as there is currently no drug to cure the


viral infection. Such veterinary care includes drugs to bring down the fever, symptomatic treatment for the cough, and eye drops for the conjunctivitis. Sometimes in cases where there is a secondary bacterial infection, usually of the respiratory tract, antibiotics may be appropriate. Drugs to control the circulating viraemia include oral anti-viral medication, but unfortunately are of only limited effect.


If EHM develops, it is important to provide nursing care, often with referral to an isolation unit at an equine hospital. This includes a deep bedded stable, catheterisation of the bladder, hydration via intravenous fluids and if the horse has difficulty standing or is recumbent, then a full body sling is necessary to provide support.


The respiratory form of EHV tends to self-limit and the horses may recover in a few days with supportive treatment. Sadly, even with prompt action and supportive care, the neurological form is often fatal.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32