New case of Equine Herpes Virus reported in Oregon
A new case of Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) has been confirmed in Oregon over the weekend according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The 14-year old Quarter Horse gelding from Marion County is hospitalized at the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Large Animal Hospital after being admitted for sudden onset of neurologic signs of the disease. The horse has tested positive for both the wild type and the more serious neuropathogenic form of EHV-1.
Despite other cases of EHV-1 in Oregon in recent weeks, this detection is being classified as a new case because of the length of time and lack of strong epidemiological links to previous EHV-1 instances. The affected horse has not travelled or attended any shows or events for at least four months. The stable has been quarantined and all horses involved remain under active observation by owners and their veterinarians for clinical signs of disease.
Six of the eight quarantines associated with the previous EHV-1 cases have been released and two are pending.
EHV-1 is not transmissible to people. The virus is naturally occurring and widespread in the equine population. It is a common virus and may lie dormant for long periods of time and then re-activate during a period of stress, which can result in clinical disease. EHV-1 can cause respiratory disease, abortions in pregnant mares, neurologic disease, and in severe cases, death. The most common way for EHV-1 to spread is by direct horse-to-horse contact. The virus can also spread through contaminated equipment, clothing, and hands. Symptoms include fever, decreased coordination, nasal discharge, urine dribbling, loss of tail tone, hind limb weakness, leaning against a wall or fence to maintain balance, lethargy, and the inability to rise. While there is no cure, the symptoms of the disease may be treatable.
All horse owners are encouraged to practice strict biosecurity measures and hygiene if they travel to shows and competitions with their animals. Concerned owners should contact their veterinarian if they have questions.
A new case of Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) has been confirmed in Oregon over the weekend according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The 14-year old Quarter Horse gelding from Marion County is hospitalized at the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Large Animal Hospital after being admitted for sudden onset of neurologic signs of the disease. The horse has tested positive for both the wild type and the more serious neuropathogenic form of EHV-1.
Despite other cases of EHV-1 in Oregon in recent weeks, this detection is being classified as a new case because of the length of time and lack of strong epidemiological links to previous EHV-1 instances. The affected horse has not travelled or attended any shows or events for at least four months. The stable has been quarantined and all horses involved remain under active observation by owners and their veterinarians for clinical signs of disease.
Six of the eight quarantines associated with the previous EHV-1 cases have been released and two are pending.
EHV-1 is not transmissible to people. The virus is naturally occurring and widespread in the equine population. It is a common virus and may lie dormant for long periods of time and then re-activate during a period of stress, which can result in clinical disease. EHV-1 can cause respiratory disease, abortions in pregnant mares, neurologic disease, and in severe cases, death. The most common way for EHV-1 to spread is by direct horse-to-horse contact. The virus can also spread through contaminated equipment, clothing, and hands. Symptoms include fever, decreased coordination, nasal discharge, urine dribbling, loss of tail tone, hind limb weakness, leaning against a wall or fence to maintain balance, lethargy, and the inability to rise. While there is no cure, the symptoms of the disease may be treatable.
All horse owners are encouraged to practice strict biosecurity measures and hygiene if they travel to shows and competitions with their animals. Concerned owners should contact their veterinarian if they have questions.
No comments:
Post a Comment