03/03/2025
🐴🚨 Important Notice for Horse Owners: Equine Herpes Virus EHV-1 Alert 🚨🐴
We want to inform all horse owners in our area that there has been a confirmed case of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) in the Prince George area. Dr. Green examined the horse, and our In-House Rapid PCR Testing confirmed a positive diagnosis. If you have any concerns about potential exposure or if you would like to have your horse tested for EHV-1, please contact our office.
To protect your horses and prevent the spread of this virus, please follow these recommended biosecurity measures:
Isolate New or Returning Horses: Keep new or returning horses separate from your herd for at least 14 days.
Monitor Temperatures: Check your horses' temperatures twice daily. A fever can be an early sign of EHV.
Limit Contact: Avoid nose-to-nose contact between horses and minimize shared equipment, feed, and water sources.
Disinfect Equipment: Regularly clean and disinfect all equipment, including tack, trailers, and grooming tools.
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling each horse and change clothing if possible.
Restrict Movement: Limit the movement of horses on and off your property to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Consult Your Vet: If you notice any signs of illness, such as fever, nasal discharge, or neurological symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
By following these biosecurity measures, we can help protect our horses and prevent the spread of EHV. Stay vigilant and keep your equine friends safe! 🐎💖
WHAT IS EHV - 1?
Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) is a common virus that affects horses worldwide. There are several strains of EHV, but the two most significant ones are EHV-1 and EHV-42.
EHV-1: This strain can cause respiratory disease, abortions in pregnant mares, neonatal death, and a neurological condition known as Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM)2.
EHV-4: Primarily causes respiratory disease, especially in young horses.
Symptoms of EHV include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, and in severe cases, neurological signs such as incoordination and urinary incontinence.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected horses, nasal secretions, or contaminated equipment. The virus can also be spread through the air when an infected horse coughs.
Prevention involves good biosecurity practices, such as isolating new or returning horses, monitoring temperatures, and disinfecting equipment