Neurotropic Equine Herpes Virus-1 (nEHV-1)

Equine Herpes Virus-1 in a contagious disease of horses that has been around a long time.  The classic form of this disease affects three body systems - respiratory, reproductive (can cause abortions in mares) and rarely neurologic (brain and spinal cord).  In the past few years and especially this year we have heard lots about the neurologic form of EHV-1.  The virus poses NO risk to human health.  Herpes viruses in horses are spread through the nasal secretions of infected horses as well as being transferred indirectly on people or equipment.  The best practices to protect horses from infectious disease is to:

• Follow good biosecurity measures that prevents infectious disease spread
• Monitor your horses closely for signs of infection (fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, lethargy, etc.)
• Call your veterinarian if your horse is sick to deterimine the cause of illness
• Prevent exposure of your horse to known sick horses
• Vaccinate your horse against common infectious diseases. 

For the latest update on Neurologic Equine Herpes Virus-1 in Western Canada please see the following link: http://www.mooreequine.ca/

For a fantastic 32 page document on equine biosecurity follow this link to Equine Biosecurty Principles and Best Practices http://www.avma.ab.ca/resources/documents/EquineBiosecurityPrinciplesandBestPracticesguide.pdf