There was recently an out break of Equine Herpesvirus at Churchill Downs. Two horses had to be put down and the rest have been quarantined. This is definately a scary virus. It actually has five different forms (EHV-1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.) Of these EHV-1 and EHV-4 are the most deadly. It is actually pretty hard to distinguish beween the two. EHV-1 is a REPRODUCTIVE disease that has been known to cause respiratory and neurological disorders. EHV-4 is a RESPIRATORY disease that is known to cause abortions and neurological disease. So as you can see, they present similar effects. The worst thing about this disease is that once you horse has it they will ALWAYS have it. The good news is that it is treatable.
If caught early enough (symptoms are coughing, lung sounds, abortions in older pregnant mares, and mucous running from nose), your horse is likely to survive. Make sure to give your horse adequate rest and do NOT overwork them until they are completely better.
Also, make sure to clean your barn thoroughly so other horses are not infected. Burn the dirty hay and bedding and disinfect stable equiptment. Isolate horses that have been diagnosed or are showing symptoms as it is passed through close contact (Ex: mom and foal). Just be aware of the signs so you can catch it before it is too late!
Read more: Equine Herpes Outbreak [click]
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