Horses are ranked #4 as humans’ favorite and most popular animals. Why? We enjoy love, entertainment, and joy. And that is exactly what horses are, love, entertainment, and joy. We humans often go to horse shows and events. But recently lots of them have been canceled. Why? Because of Equine Herpes Virus.
What Is EHV-1?
Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) A.K.A Equid alphaherpesvirus-1 is a contagious virus that is a kind of DNA virus. It is currently (as of 2022) a very common virus. Many horses may have it. EHV-1 is a kind of virus that can cause neurologic disease.
How Does The Disease Spread?
The virus is spread from man to man, from horse to horse contact. It can also be spread by hands, tack, or the environment that have contacted the ill horse. Horses who have this virus may not show any signs or symptoms. This often happens to older horses. These older horses may and can shed the virus. It can also be spread by coughing and sneezing up to 35 feet!
What Should I Do When My Horse Might Have it?
Though this virus does not respond to antibiotics it does respond to disinfectants. If treating the area where the disease occurred. Remove organic material(manure and dirt). Disinfect all surfaces and equipment with (this solution.
- 1-part bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
- 10 part water
During this process wear rubber gloves and do not disinfect animals or near animals.
If you suppose that your horse has EHV-1 take your horse’s temperature daily.(Normal adult temperature is 100.5°F.) If any horse’s temperature has gone any higher immediately contact your veterinarian.
As I said before, this virus does not respond to antibiotics. But, veterinarians can give medications to support the patient. They can give anti-inflammatory drugs or fluids to maintain hydration. Recovery may take weeks or even months.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST…
How Do You Minimize The Spread Of This Disease?
The hard thing about EHV-1 is that recovered patients can still spread the virus. They can shed the virus within moments of stress. Like getting introduced to another horse, pregnancy, etc. Besides that, every new horse should get quarantined for at least seven days. Do not use the same tools for any other horse if you used it on the quarantined one for that can spread the virus. Please keep in mind that clothes can even spread the virus.
thank you for the post because it helped me learn a lot! It was very informative!
Hi Evelyn. I love your posts! They are AMAZING!
Wow, Evelyn! I love your blog. I learned a few new things by reading this post. : )