BY JEAN LLEWELLYN
Horses have also displayed signs of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), currently within the rodeo subpopulation in a number of US states, and now one case has also been reported in Alberta, Canada.
In the circumstances, the United States Equestrian Federation is requiring immediate compliance with USEF EHV-1 protocols, including:
• an influenza vaccination requirement;
• twice daily temperature taking and recording;
• immediate reporting of a febrile horse (temperature over 101.5F) as per USEF rules;
• observe horses for clinical signs of disease and report any clinical signs to a veterinarian;
• avoid sharing of equipment without cleaning and disinfecting between uses;
• limit horse-to-horse contact (maintain separation while walking, riding, or driving);
• limit individuals touching horses to essential personnel;
• ensure horse trailers/trucks are properly cleaned and disinfected between loads of horses, especially those known to have carried sick horses.
Competition managers should also be reviewing their biosecurity protocols and requirements, and consult local and regional veterinarians to determine specific disease risks prior to the start of an event.
All horse owners should currently be reviewing their own protocols with veterinarians, the FEI, and/or national equestrian federations. According to the Equine Disease Communication Centre (EDCC) in the United States: “While EHV-1 most commonly causes respiratory disease, some strains cause outbreaks of neurologic disease. EHV-1 causes neurologic signs as a result of inflammation of the blood vessels and activation of blood coagulation within the brain and spinal cord. Neurologic signs occur as a result of a lack of blood flow and resulting damage to the brain or spinal cord; this disease manifestation is known as Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM).
Classic clinical signs of EHM include fever, swelling/stocking up of the limbs, hindlimb weakness, and urine dribbling. Some horses are more severely affected and display behavior changes, signs of cranial nerve dysfunction, seizures, and inability to stand. While EHM is a serious disease, the majority of cases are not fatal. In most outbreaks of EHM, 60-70% of affected horses recover with treatment and supportive care. Veterinary evaluation and isolation of exposed or affected horses is crucial.”...
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