In addition to the one confirmed case of Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) in Southern Ontario, reported earlier this week, there are now 16 confirmed cases of EVH-1 in California, and two that are believed to have had Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy.
Equine Canada is working with Canada’s veterinarians to monitor the situation and keep our members abreast of developments in the United States and Canada. New information and status updates regarding EHV-1 neurological cases will be posted at http://www.equinecanada.ca/.
EHV-1 is easily spread by sharing contaminated equipment, contact with an animal carrying the virus, or by the clothing, hands or equipment of visitors to farms who recently had contact with an infected horse.
Outbreak control of nEHV-1 is dependent on proper biosecurity or containment strategies. Equine Canada strongly urges owners to consult the following resources to better understand the nature and control of this infectious disease:
Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan
Facts About Equine Herpes Virus— http://bit.ly/khha91
University of Saskatchewan
http://blogs.usask.ca/EHRF/EHV%20fact%20sheet-1.MAR.20.pdf
OMAFRA
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/facts/prev-disease-spread.htm
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/health.html
American Plant and Health Inspection Service
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/equine_herpesvirus_brochure_2009.pdf
Owners are encouraged to speak with their veterinarian if they have additional concerns or questions.
More from Horse Sport:
