Equine herpes virus (EHV)

[MarvelVillis]

Following on from my previous thread (https://forums.horseandhound.co.uk/threads/potential-viral-infection-and-hospital-admission.835764/), my horse has contracted EHV-4 following a fever first detected on 30th Jan. Since he came home from the hospital on 10th Jan, he's been having weekly nasal swabs to check for the virus. It's been positive every week, including this week's swab taken on Wednesday (28th).

I just wondered if anyone else's horse has had EHV and how many weeks it took to get rid of the virus and to get a negative result on the nasal swab?

 

[shortstuff99]

I believe they always stay positive but the virus goes dormant? Not sure how that effects nasal swabs though, maybe best to ask your vet.

 

[MarvelVillis]

I’ve been wondering this too. I’m waiting to hear back from them.

 

[Pick and mix]

Mine had the resp form he was tested twice and remained negative xx

 

[MarvelVillis]

Sorry I meant he came home 10th Feb re my original message!

 

[ycbm]

I believe they always stay positive but the virus goes dormant? Not sure how that effects nasal swabs though, maybe best to ask your vet.

This is my understanding and was my vets excuse for why one of his employees gave my horse a cold by using unsterilised dental tools - that my horse must have been carrying EHV dormant and the stress reactivated it.