By Scout Nelson
Kansas animal health officials are urging strong biosecurity practices to limit the spread of equine herpesvirus-1, also known as EHV-1. The virus is highly contagious among horses and can cause respiratory illness, abortion, and in severe cases, neurological disease known as equine herpes myeloencephalopathy.
A recent outbreak of EHV-1 has been reported in several states across the country, including Texas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. At this time, no cases have been reported in Kansas. However, officials stress that prevention remains critical to protecting horse populations.
EHM occurs when the virus damages blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include weakness in the hind legs, poor coordination, difficulty standing or walking, trouble urinating, fever, lethargy, and nasal discharge. The estimated mortality rate for EHM ranges from 30% to 50%, making early detection essential.
“I’m told that the first sign you will see is that horses begin dragging their toes,” Smith said. “So, as they’re walking, you can see that their back feet will be dragging. As it progresses, the virus spreads to the spinal cord and will cause paralysis in some horses.”
Vaccines are available and can help reduce the risk of EHV-1 infection. However, officials note that vaccines do not provide reliable protection against the neurological form of the disease. Because of this, biosecurity remains the most effective defense.
Recommended biosecurity steps include isolating horses that have been exposed to the virus or have recently returned from events for at least 14 days. Horse temperatures should be checked twice daily, as fever is often an early sign of infection. All vaccinations should be kept current, including booster doses.
Equipment such as water buckets, halters, brushes, and riding gear should be disinfected after use at shared facilities. Contact between horses should be limited, including avoiding nose-to-nose contact. Clothing and boots should be changed after events, and equipment should never be shared.
Before traveling out of state, individuals are advised to check with animal health officials, as some states may have additional requirements. Suspected cases should be reported to the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health at (785) 564-6601.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-patrick-jennings
Categories: Kansas, General