** EHV Update **
16th November 2016
We are very glad to report that due to control and isolation measure put in place immediately upon the diagnosis of neurological EHV the recent outbreak has been confined to a single yard. Whilst devastating for the yard involved this adherence to sensible veterinary advice has limited the potential damage to the local and more widespread equine community.
The first case identified was diagnosed on the 25th October and the last case with new clinical symptoms on the 5th November. Since that time there has been no new clinical cases didn’t have prolonged and direct contact with the initial case. As the yard involved is currently still in isolation and will remain so until 28 days after the last clinical case. The risk to the local equine community can now be viewed as no greater than prior to this outbreak. As such our advice is that horse owners may resume normal activities with sensible biosecurity provisions as outlined in our previous post.
In recent days a local horse in Hertfordshire with a high temperature was tested for EHV as a precaution. Thankfully this case does not have EHV-1, the neurological disease, which caused the fatalities that we are all aware of. It did however come back as positive for EHV-4 this should not be confused with the neurological disease even though it is caused by the same virus. It is a different strain that is very commonly found in the equine community and almost exclusively presents as a respiratory disease, though may case abortion in pregnant mares.
I hope this updates helps clarify the current situation. We will endeavour to keep you updated should any further developments occur.
** EQUINE HERPES UPDATE **
7th November 2016
As many of you are already aware on Wednesday 26th October a case of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) was identified at a yard in North Hertfordshire/ South Bedfordshire. The yard involved immediately under took full quarantine and remains in isolation. Very sadly the horse initially diagnosed with EHV and horses subsequently diagnosed with EHV at the same yard have since had to be euthanised as a result of this virus.
At this stage it seems that the virus has successfully been contained to the initial yard however a number of yards within close proximity to the initial yard have also undertaken isolation as a precautionary measure.
EHV is widespread within the equine population at all times and usually remains latent. EHV most commonly presents itself as a temperature, cough and nasal discharge which can be treated symptomatically and with good management. More rarely we see EHV in a neurological form where the horse develops hindlimb weakness and incoordination which leads to paralysis. It is the neurological form of EHV which has been responsible for the deaths in this recent episode. This particular episode is unusual as neurological EHV will normally occur as a one off case.
Infectious disease presents a risk to horses at all times and it is therefore necessary to follow sensible biosecurity measures at all times. When attending shows and training clinics do not share water buckets, equipment etc., avoid contact with other horses (directly between horses or indirectly via people) and do not graze away from home. As there is an increased, although still low, risk of contagion with this aggressive strain of EHV in the North Hertfordshire/South Bedfordshire area we would advise not to travel horses in this area at the present time. We will update this advice as more information becomes available.
A vaccine is available for EHV which may reduce the severity of symptoms during an episode but will not prevent its occurrence. Vaccination of broodmares is recommended to reduce the risk of EHV induced abortion. If you are concerned that your horse is presenting with the symptoms of EHV (temperature, nasal discharge, wobbliness) please contact you vet immediately.
For further information on EHV please contact the office on 01763 287744 /office@tyrrellsequine.co.uk
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