Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy Outbreak Worries Horse Owners

Source: AdaEveningNews.com

25 May 2011

The recent outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus-1 has had horse owners on edge recently, but an outbreak of the neurological strain, Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in Oklahoma and other states has been worrying horse owners, Ada Evening News reports.

Dr. Calvin White of Ada Veterinary Clinic in Ada, Oklahoma said that although EHV-1 has been in the United States for some time, the more recent outbreak of EHM is a form of the virus resulting from stress. White says the virus probably started as EHV-1 at the Ogden, Utah cutting event, but because of the stress on the animals competing, the virus mutated into the neurological form.

There is a vaccine for EHV-1, but it is not effective against EHM, White says. 

Though horse owners in Oklahoma and westward have experienced the brunt of the outbreak, it has yet to spread farther east. Horse owners across the country should be vigilant, however. White says that EHM is a highly contagious airborne virus spread through any contact with an item that an affected animal.

To learn more about the outbreak and what you can do to keep your horse safe, read the full article here.