We have EHV-1 (also known as Spinal Rhino) again in Oregon, and this time the outbreak is in nearby Benton County. Here’s part of the latest release from the State Veterinarian:
Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) confirmed in Benton County, Oregon
Two horses from a Benton County facility tested positive for Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) on February 5, 2024, with one of those horses testing positive for the neurologic form of the virus. While the neurologic form of the virus was confirmed in at least one horse, no horses at the facility currently exhibit neurologic signs. Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed samples for both horses. EHV-1 is a reportable disease, and veterinarians are legally responsible for immediately reporting all suspected cases to the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA).
All horse owners who believe their horse may have been exposed to EHV-1 should monitor their animal’s temperature twice daily and call their veterinarian if they see any symptoms. The EHV-1 virus is highly contagious and is spread via aerosolized secretions from infected coughing horses, by direct and indirect contact with nasal secretions, and fetal fluids. EHV-1 typically has an incubation period of 2-10 days. Respiratory shedding of the virus generally occurs for 7-10 days but may persist longer in infected horses.
Following basic biosecurity practices is important in reducing the risk of exposure to all contagious equine diseases. Basic biosecurity measures to follow to decrease potential disease spread at equine events include:
- Limit horse-to-horse contact
- Limit horse-to-human-to-horse contact
- Avoid the use of communal water sources
- Avoid sharing equipment unless thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between uses
- Isolate new or returning horses from others for 30 days
- Monitor your horse for clinical signs of disease and report any temperature over 102°F to a veterinarian
Here’s an article on our site that covers the facts and what you need to watch for: https://deloeste.vet/ehv-and-ehm-what-you-need-to-know/
