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Caused by a herpes virus (EHV-1) that is similar
to the one causing the common cold in humans |
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First seen in Thoroughbred horses in Kentucky,
however now in most of the US, Canada, South America and many other parts
of the world. |
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Acute, highly contagious |
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Respiratory infection in young horses |
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Abortion in pregnant mares (most common to abort
between eight to eleventh month) |
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In some cases ataxia, paralysis and death
occurs. |
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Virus can survive up to seven weeks (dried) on
horsehair, burlap, etc. |
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Virus is present in nasal discharge, saliva,
blood, and fecal material during the acute stage. Also placenta and aborted
fetus. |
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Also spread by contaminated feed, water, feed
buckets, etc. |
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Rest |
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Antibiotics or sulfa drugs to prevent secondary
bacterial infection. |
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Recovered animals continued to shed virus. |
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Immunity following infection is short lived. |
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Vaccinate |
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-
start vaccinations at 3 months of age |
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-give booster at 6 month intervals in young horses |
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-to
prevent abortion pregnant mares
should be vaccinated at the 5th, 7th, and 9th
months of pregnancy |
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Read and
follow the vaccine label directions. |
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Notes