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Zoetis Inc. announced that, given the concerns caused by the recent flu outbreak, it is urging equine vets to participate in a survey about Equine Herpes Virus (EHV). The aim is to identify the most effective ways to minimise the risks this common and debilitating infectious equine virus poses. The survey can be found here
Equine Herpes Virus is a contagious virus, which can cause respiratory disease, abortion and more rarely neurological disease. In addition, sub-clinical infections can be associated with a syndrome of poor performance and have a potential effect on the health of the whole yard.1
The disease is transmitted from horse to horse through the respiratory tract, by inhalation of the viral particles shed by infected horses. Once a horse is infected with Equine Herpes Virus it is likely to be latently infected for life. Viral reactivation and nasal shedding can occur at any time, particularly during stressful periods such as when mixing with other horses at equine events. This can lead to acute disease episodes. Often affected horses are asymptomatic but if they do show symptoms these may include depression, lethargy, pyrexia, nasal discharge and a dry cough. Reduction of shedding through management and vaccination is key to disease control.2
“EHV has potentially serious health, performance and financial implications across every sector of the equestrian industry,” said Wendy Talbot, National Equine Veterinary Manager at Zoetis. “The aim of our survey is to find out more about current vet protocols in practice. The results should help us to identify and then ensure that the most effective prevention strategies are accessible to vets and their clients.”
The vet survey runs from 4 – 15 March 2019 in parallel to a separate survey for horse owners. It is quick and easy to complete and you could win yourself a new body warmer. Click here to complete the survey.
For further information Please contact your Zoetis Account Manager or the Zoetis Technical Team on customersupportUK@zoetis.com or 0845 300 9084 choosing option 1.
References
1Slater J (2014)Equine Herpesviruses. In: Equine Infectious Diseases. Eds., D.C. Sellon and M. Long, Saunders, St. Louis. P151-169
2Lunn et al. (2009) EHV-1 consensus statement . J Vet Int Med. 23:450-461