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CCE Equine Special Newsletter – January 23, 2007
EHV-1 in New York State
EHV-1 Information from January 22, 2007, conversation with Dr. David Chico, veterinarian, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
In the course of routine testing a horse residing in Dutchess County , New York tested positive for EHV-1 – equine herpes virus-1. The horse is currently asymptomatic – it is not showing any symptoms of EHV-1. Most importantly, it is not showing any signs of the neurological form of EHV-1. Dr. Chico reminds us that Equine Herpes Virus is endemic in the horse population, and return of a positive test result is not necessarily imply a serious condition.
There has not been any “outbreak” of EHV-1. The situation as it exists today is no more dangerous for your horse than it was prior to reporting of the positive test results.
Horse owners and caretakers should always practice good bio-security and make themselves familiar with the symptoms of EHV-1. Those with broodmares are reminded to keep up to date with vaccination protocols recommended by their veterinarians.
If a stables, barn, farm is quarantined it does not necessarily mean the ship is going down and all hope should be abandoned. A quarantine is a preventive measure that does not necessarily imply a widescale outbreak. A quarantine is simply the stopping of all in and out movement of animals on the premises. The stopping of movement remains in place until all the facts are in. EHV-1 is commonly agreed to have an incubation period of 21 days so that most quarantines related to EHV-1 will run for a minimum period of 21 days.
You should rest assured that your veterinarian is being kept current on outbreaks of infectious diseases. The Department of Agriculture and Markets e-mail alerts to veterinarians around the state to keep them up to date of any conditions or developments concerning horse health.
New York State Department of Agriculture
Horse Health Assurance Program EHV-1 Information
Dr. Lyda Denney, a veterinarian with New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, who coordinates the Horse Health Assurance Program sent out a valuable package of information regarding Equine Herpes Virus 1 in the NYSHHAP News and Updates – January 2007 issue. This information or links to this information will shortly be reproduced and available at our website www.cceequine.org . Please visit our site to learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and precautions, management of an outbreak, strategies to enhance vaccine efficiency, and hygiene measures. Links on our site to articles from The Horse magazine provide information on neurologic EHV-1, and vaccination protocols.
Clarification: EHV-1 in Dutchess County
This is a clarification of a report that I sent yesterday regarding EHV-1 in a horse in Dutchess County.
EHV-1 can be found in approximately 10% of the horse population as a matter of course.
Horses carrying this virus may not be ill or ever become ill with EHV-1.
While it is true that a Dutchess County horse tested positive for EHV-1, the horse was not ill.
Recent press coverage has been devoted to the neurological form of EHV-1. Horses affected with this form of EHV-1 can become wobbly, exhibit incoordination, are unable to rise, and may require euthanization or die.
Recently, cases of the neurological form have occurred in Florida , Connecticut and other states. To date, there have been no reported or confirmed cases of the neurological form of EHV-1 in New York horses.
For more information on EHV-1, please visit the New York State Department of Agriculture & Marketswebsite at www.agmkt.state.ny.us .
Jennifer E. Fimbel
Cornell Cooperative Extensio
Dutchess County Livestock Resource Educator
2715 Route 44, Suite 1
Millbrook , NY 12545
845-677-8223, ext. 118
I hope you find this information helpful,
Fiona Farrell
Coordinator, CCE Equine
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