Equine Herpes

[Pony180]

Anyone got any experience or advice on Equine Herpes e.g. transmission and infection.
Suspected cases in the area (awaiting results) so not sure whether it is to leave the farm at all or if hacking is ok, or if going SJ is safe? Mine are all very isolated which is great but have no experience so not sure if I am being over cautious?

 

[Jesster]

We had it on a large polo yard, quarantine was introduced. I was only allowed to touch my own horses. Suited up in overalls, rubber gloves and Virkon was my best friend. Some 20-30 horses were affected, all made a full recovery.

If you have it, do not leave the yard without the ok from a vet!

 

[Tin Hat]

Transmission
Aerosol transmission (most common route)
Inhalation of droplets from coughing and snorting.
Note: EHV is not as easily spread by this route as is Equine Influenza virus.
Mares who have aborted, or whose foals have died, transmit infection via the respiratory route.
Shedding by the respiratory route typically lasts for 7-10 days, but can persist much longer. Therefore a 28-day isolation period is recommended after diagnosis.

Indirect transmission
Virus can be viable for several weeks in the environment once it has been shed by the horse.
Fomites (eg. grooming brushes, buckets etc) are a significant factor in EHV contagion as compared to influenza virus.
Aborted fetuses, fetal membranes and/or fluids are significant sources of infection.
Infected foals are highly contagious and can transmit infection to other horses via the respiratory route and by shedding virus into the environment.

As for going out competing when there are possible cases in the area is very much the owners decision and whether you risk your horses health.
It must also be worth noting vaccinating against the virus is pointless in the face of an outbreak!
NB The strain of EHV and incubation period of the disease prior to clinical signs should also be considered. IMO the power of EHV is highly underestimated.

Hope this helps