Horse News & Views - May 2008

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

• A stable is in quarantine near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, as a result of a highly contagious form of Equine Herpes (Rhinopneumonitis EHV-1). The first incident was noted on March 13, when the operators of a stable noticed some horses running fevers and stumbling. As of April 4th, one horse has been euthanized; three others were showing milder clinical signs. Herpes may present as a severe respiratory infection, but it may also cause a neurological disease or abortion in pregnant mares. (Sources: ProMed Mail. March 26 and April 4, 2008; Western College News)
  
  

  This is the latest in the sporadic occurrence of this virus. Currently, none of the available vaccines protect from the neurological form.
  
  

• It is our job to prevent the spread and effect of the more significant infectious diseases, including: Equine Herpes virus (Rhinopneumonitis), Influenza, Rabies, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, West Nile virus, Strangles and Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). Management strategies to reduce transmission of infectious diseases include:
  
  
  • Physically separate and minimize contact of newly arrived horses with established horses.
  • Reduce activities that induce stress to prevent virus reactivation (e.g., herpes virus).
  • Minimize stall movement of horses.
  • Vaccinate horses appropriately before exposure.
    
    
    
    

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