A case of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) was reported on Jan. 28 in a 23-year-old warmblood gelding in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. The horse displayed acute neurologic signs on Jan. 26 and had no recent travel history. Unfortunately, he had to be euthanized, and 45 horses were exposed to the virus.
EDCC Health Watch is a marketing program by Equine Network that uses information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to share verified equine disease reports. The EDCC is a nonprofit organization that relies on industry donations to offer open access to infectious disease information.
EHV 101
Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can lead to various ailments, including rhinopneumonitis, abortion, and Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM).
EHV-1 infection in horses often starts with a fever, which can be easily missed. Other common signs in young horses include cough, reduced appetite, depression, and nasal discharge. Pregnant mares may show no signs before aborting, which usually happens late in gestation but can occur earlier. Neurologic signs like ataxia, weakness, and paralysis may develop in horses with EHM.
The virus spreads through close contact with infected horses or contaminated equipment. Implementing biosecurity measures such as hygiene and disinfection practices is crucial to prevent disease transmission. While EHV-1 vaccines can reduce viral shedding, they do not protect against the neurologic form of the disease. Prevention through biosecurity practices remains the best approach to disease control.