EHV-1 Notice - 18 March
The outbreak of the neurological form of EHV-1 amongst sports horses in Europe continues to be of concern, with cases occurring in many European countries including Belgium, France and Germany.
In addition, cases of respiratory EHV-1 have been reported across Europe including the UK since the start of the year, with over 60 cases in France alone.
Cases of reproductive EHV-1 involving abortions and neonatal foal deaths, have been reported this year with 28 to date in Europe and 6 in the UK, including recently in a vaccinated Thoroughbred mare in Yorkshire which aborted on 8th March. Read more here from the International Collating Centre.
Breeders are reminded that all horses can be a source of EHV-1 infection and breeding stock should therefore be managed in ways to minimise the risk of disease spread including:
- Keep pregnant mares in small groups (up to six) and separate from all other stock.
- Keep pregnant mares isolated from all non-pregnant horses.
- Vaccination of pregnant mares*
- Isolate any horses returning from Europe, monitor them for signs of infection and have them specifically tested for EHV-1 infection by your veterinary surgeon. View guidance from Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons here.
- Keep all non-resident non-TB stock off the premises.
- Use of disposable protective clothing at foaling
- Use of appropriate virucidal disinfectants
- Minimising movement of staff between groups of horses
- Strict staff bio-security measures such handwashing/alcohol sprays, change of clothes/boots
- Separate tack and equipment for individual and groups of horses
Signs of EHV-1 infection may include:
- Respiratory:
Mild fever, occasional coughing, serous (clear) discharge from the nose
- Reproductive
Sudden unexpected late-term abortion with sometimes-jaundiced foal enclosed in placenta, or birth of a live but weak, sometimes jaundiced foal, which fails to thrive.
- Neurological
Weak or loss of tail tone, incoordination of hind and occasionally front limbs, urine and/or faecal retention and in severe cases lying down and unable to stand.
In all suspected cases of EHV-1 infection, horses should be isolated and veterinary help sought immediately.
Further information on signs, prevention (including vaccination), diagnosis, control and treatment of EHV-1 can be found in the HBLB Codes of practice here.
For details of the scheme implemented by British Showjumping for horses returning to the UK from events in Europe click here.
*An unusually high demand for vaccine supply in Europe has resulted in an availability problem, which the pharmaceutical company is trying to manage.
For further information please contact Caroline Turnbull at the TBA.