Equine Herpes Virus (E.H.V.)
As many of you are aware, there was an outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus the week of April 3-May 8 in Ogden Utah at a cutting horse event. Subsequently two horses then shipped to Bakersfield where they fell ill. Symptoms of this disorder include:
- Fever of 102 and above
- Nasal discharge
- Weakness or uncoordinated hind limbs
- Lethargy
E.H.V can progress to:
- Severe respiratory distress
- Abortion in broodmares
- Neurological symptoms (down horse)
- Death
Precautions
- Clearly, keeping your horses on your own property is optimal.
- Close all trails shared by other riders.
- Avoid horse gatherings such as shows/gymkhanas, commercial, or shared trailers.
- If your horse appears sick, call a field vet. Local hospitals are not equipped to deal with this. Any suspected cases will be referred to U.C. Davis for isolation.
Go to AAEP.ORG for the latest updates on the progress of the virus and FAQS.
Good Luck !!
Kevin
