A case of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) has been confirmed in a horse in Saline County, Illinois. The affected horse received treatment at a veterinary hospital and showed improvement within 24 hours with supportive care. Following its recovery, the horse has left the hospital, and no other horses were exposed during its stay.
EDCC Health Watch, a program by Equine Network, shares verified equine disease reports sourced from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC). The EDCC is a nonprofit organization that relies on industry donations to provide accessible information on infectious diseases.
Understanding EHV-1
Equine herpesvirus is highly contagious and can lead to various health issues in horses, including respiratory diseases, abortion in pregnant mares, and equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM).
Initial signs of EHV-1 often include fever, which may go unnoticed. Other symptoms in young horses can include coughing, reduced appetite, lethargy, and nasal discharge. Pregnant mares may not show signs before abortion, which typically occurs late in gestation but can happen earlier. Neurological signs in horses with EHM include incoordination, limb weakness or paralysis, urinary issues, tail tone loss, and difficulty rising.
The virus spreads through close contact with infected horses, shared equipment, or contact with contaminated items. Biosecurity measures, such as proper hygiene and disinfection, are crucial in preventing disease transmission. While vaccines can reduce viral shedding, they do not protect against the neurological form of EHV-1. Disease prevention through biosecurity practices remains the most effective control method.