Three horses in Flathead County, Montana have tested positive for equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM), and two more are suspected. The horse he distributed to three different barns and has developed neurological signs. So far, four of the confirmed and suspected cases have been euthanized due to the severity of their illness.The fifth has mild clinical symptoms and is in isolation. Exposed horses from affected premises are also quarantined for 21 days from the last day of potential exposure.
Some of the affected horses had no travel history. However, herd mates with no clinical symptoms had attended events at more than one event center in the exposed area. may have contributed.
The Montana Department of Animal Husbandry is currently advising Flathead Valley horse owners and event coordinators to limit travel and cancel events involving multiple horses through February 6. This date will be extended if additional cases are detected.
Owners of horses that have attended Flathead Valley events in recent weeks should monitor their animals for the development of fever and neurological signs for two weeks after their last trip.
EDCC Health Watch is an equine network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and distribute validated equine disease reports.of EDCC is an independent non-profit organization supported by industry donations to provide open access to infectious disease information.
EHV101
herpes virus It is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of diseases in horses, including rhinopneumonia (a respiratory disease usually seen in young horses), broodmare abortion, and EHM.
In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which may go undetected. In addition to fever, common signs of her EHV-1 infection in a young horse include coughing, loss of appetite, depression and runny nose. Pregnant mares usually show no signs of infection prior to abortion, which usually occurs late in gestation (about 8 months), but can be earlier. A miscarriage can occur between two weeks and several months after he becomes infected with EHV-1.
Horses with EHM usually have a fever at the onset of the disease and may show signs of respiratory infection. After a few days, neurological signs such as ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the forelimbs and hindlimbs, retention and dripping of urine, loss of tail tone and recumbency (inability to stand up) appear.
The herpes virus is easily spread from nose to nose or through close contact with infected horses. Share contaminated equipment such as bits, buckets and towels. or the clothing, hands or equipment of people who have had recent contact with infected horses. Regular biosecurity measures, including hygiene and basic cleaning and disinfection practices, should always be implemented to prevent the spread of disease.
Current EHV-1 vaccines may reduce viral shedding but do not protect against neurological disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize the spread of the virus, and the best way to control disease is disease prevention.
