We will probably never forget Spring 2020 and the impact of a virus on our daily lives, but remember infectious viruses such as flu and equine herpes virus (EHV) are circulating in our horses every year.
Contact with other horses is the main source of infection. EHV outbreaks can have serious welfare implications and economic loses, as highlighted by the disruption to the CES Valencia Spring Show jumping Tour. At the time of writing, 4 horses have died and the FEI has stated that “we are currently experiencing what is probably the most serious EHV-1 outbreak in Europe for decades”.
Equine Herpes Virus is a contagious disease that affects horses. Although there are nine strains of the virus, Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) and Equine Herpes Virus-4 (EHV-4) are most commonly seen. Prevention through vaccination, which can help to reduce the amount of virus in the horse population, and biosecurity is essential to protect your own horse and others. The virus is spread in the air, from horse to horse, and can travel up to 5m. The EHV vaccine (which helps protect against EHV-1 and EHV-4) can help to reduce the shedding of the virus, it’s transmission to other horses and the severity of the respiratory form of the disease.
Affected horses may suffer from the following:
>> respiratory disease
>> neurological disease
>> abortion in pregnant mares
>> young foals can also die from the infection
While we are all looking forward to the restart of the competition season, now is the ideal time to get your horse vaccinated. If you are considering competing internationally at all this year we would strongly advise vaccinating your horses for EHV1&4. The initial course is 2 vaccinations, 4 weeks apart followed by 6 monthly boosters.
Contact us to protect your horse against the most common viruses. T: 01608 730085
For more information about EHV in horses check out www.horsedialog.co.uk/equineherpes
For FEI biosecurity updates, click here.
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