Equine Herpes Virus

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) is a highly contagious virus that poses significant health risks to horses, particularly young and pregnant animals. It primarily causes a mild respiratory illness in young horses, which is similar to the flu in humans. This respiratory disease may manifest as coughing, nasal discharge, and fever. While these symptoms are typically not severe, they can weaken the horse’s immune system, making it more susceptible to secondary infections such as pneumonia. Pneumonia, if not treated promptly, can become a serious and life-threatening condition.

Beyond respiratory illness, equine herpes is also known for its more severe complications, especially in pregnant mares. One of the most concerning outcomes of equine herpes infection in pregnant mares is abortion. The virus can cause abortion at any stage of pregnancy, but it most commonly occurs during the last trimester. This not only results in the loss of the foal but can also have long-term implications for the mare’s reproductive health. Due to this risk, it is strongly recommended that breeding animals, including both stallions and broodmares, be vaccinated against equine herpes as a preventive measure.

In rare cases, EHV can lead to an even more severe condition known as equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM), which affects the nervous system. Horses affected by EHM may experience symptoms ranging from mild incoordination to severe paralysis, and in some cases, the condition can be fatal. The neurological form of the disease is particularly concerning as it can lead to significant distress and require extensive veterinary care.

Vaccination plays a crucial role in the management and prevention of equine herpes. While vaccination does not guarantee complete immunity against the virus, it significantly reduces the likelihood of infection. Moreover, vaccinated horses are less likely to shed the virus in large quantities if they do become infected, thereby reducing the overall viral load in the environment. This reduction in viral shedding helps to lower the risk of transmission to other horses, particularly in settings where horses are kept in close quarters, such as stables and breeding farms.

By implementing a comprehensive vaccination program, horse owners and breeders can help protect not only their own animals but also contribute to the overall health and safety of the equine community. Regular vaccination, combined with good management practices such as isolation of new or sick horses and maintaining clean facilities, is essential in controlling the spread of equine herpes and minimizing its impact on horse populations.