Horse owners should be vigilant in knowing the signs
A recent equine event in Waco, Texas has horse owners on high alert. A strain of EHV-1 that is believed to be highly aggressive is being monitored by the Texas Animal Commission. An outbreak can quickly spread and all horse owners should remain vigilant for the signs, especially if horse have been traveling.
Clinical signs of EHV-1 can vary widely, and may include:
• Fever, usually the first sign before nasal discharge or neurologic symptoms. Temp above 101.5 degrees F, call your veterinarian.
• Nasal discharge, coughing, or other respiratory changes.
• Depression or lethargy.
• Neurological signs: stumbling or incoordination, loss of tail tone, hind-limb weakness, head tilt, recumbency, difficulty urinating.
• Abortions in pregnant mares.
Horses can transmit the virus directly through simple nose-to-nose contact, and infected animals may also release contagious aerosolized particles when they cough or sneeze. Indirect transmission is possible as shared tack, grooming tools, water and feed buckets, thermometers, and other equipment can all carry the virus from one horse to another. Even humans can unintentionally act as mechanical carriers, spreading the virus on their hands, clothing, or boots.
• Disinfect trailers, wash-racks, cross-ties, tie-areas, tack rooms, buckets, grooming tools, and any shared equipment.
• Avoid sharing tack, halters, grooming equipment, buckets, water hoses, etc., between exposed and unexposed horses.
• Monitor temperatures twice daily for all exposed horses and report any fever (≥101.5 °F) or other signs to a veterinarian immediately.
• If any horse exhibits neurologic signs, coughing, or nasal discharge, isolate it immediately, wear protective gear, and call your veterinarian.
• Keep accurate records: track which horses were present at events, their movement, and who handled them for contact tracing if needed.
• Stay in contact with your local veterinarian and keep up to date on updates from state veterinary authorities.
Disinfection: Remove all organic materials (bedding, manure, debris) and then using a dilute 1:10 bleach solution. Spray all areas and allow to dry completely and then rinse. Other disinfectants include quaternary ammonium compounds, accelerated peroxide and peroxide compounds and iodophors.; follow contact time recommendations per label use of each product.
Veterinary Appointments: Emergencies should be handled on a case-by-case basis, working closely with your veterinarians. Be transparent with your vet if your horse has been traveling or in close contact with horses that have been traveling. Testing can be performed via. Nasal swab and whole blood. If tested to early from a known exposure, horses may test negative and quarantine protocols should still be continued. Be aware, due to testing, labs may become backed up and lead to a delay in results.
Vaccinations: Consult with your veterinarian on the best course of action
Treatment: Positive horses should be kept in strict isolation per state recommendations. Treatment is largely supportive and can be done on the farm as long as the horse is standing and ambulatory. While EHV-1/EHM carries a high mortality rate of upwards of 75%, survival is possible, but it is not quick, easy, or inexpensive. Severely affected horses may need to be hospitalized for several weeks or months.
If your horse is experiencing worsening clinical signs, contact your veterinarian or your university veterinarian hospitals for availability of your horse to be seen.
