A horse stands in its stall with its head hanging down and a high fever. Other horses in the stable show similar symptoms. The veterinarians treating them suspect a viral infection and send blood samples to the laboratory. If a herpes virus infection is detected, this usually spells disaster for many horse owners and breeders. To contain the spread of this highly contagious infection, entire stables must be closed and competitions canceled, which can quickly lead to immense economic losses. But how do the animals become infected so suddenly?
Herpesvirus infections are widespread in the horse population. Due to the virus's ability to retreat into nerve cells, it cannot be fought off by the horse's immune system and thus remains in the horse's body, sometimes for life, but without causing any symptoms. Approximately 90% of all horses carry the herpesvirus, but only a few develop the disease. In certain stressful situations or in immunocompromised, young, or very old animals, the virus can be activated and released. However, symptoms do not always appear immediately. These animals therefore pose a high risk of infection. The virus is transmitted from horse to horse through droplet infection, whereby contact persons, grooming equipment, and feed can also be indirect carriers of the virus. A pregnant mare can also transmit the virus to her unborn foal. Horses are therefore at risk in two ways: firstly, through infection from outside and secondly, through the dormant virus within their own bodies. In order to prevent the virus from spreading widely in the event of an outbreak of herpes, it is advisable to take quarantine measures for the affected stable in good time.
Four different types of herpes virus are known to affect horses. However, only types EHV 1 and EHV 4 are still of particular significance.
Herpesvirus type 1 is the primary cause of viral abortion (foaling) in mares, but it also leads to respiratory diseases. If mares become infected with the herpesvirus during pregnancy, damage to the uterine lining and placenta may occur. This means that the foals are no longer adequately supplied with nutrients, which either leads to foaling in late pregnancy or to the birth of weak foals. After initial infection of the respiratory tract or a short, usually unnoticed phase of fever, the virus can enter the bloodstream, causing infection of the small blood vessels of the spinal cord. This causes bleeding into the spinal cord and, depending on the extent of the damage, severe neurological deficits such as coordination disorders and paralysis, which are often fatal if not treated in time.
Herpesvirus type 4 primarily causes feverish illnesses of the upper and lower respiratory tract. However, this virus type can occasionally also lead to foaling and symptoms of the nervous system. After an incubation period of two to ten days, affected horses show high fever, coughing, and watery nasal discharge. This may be accompanied by eye discharge, lethargy, and loss of performance. In recent years, there have been an increasing number of herpes virus outbreaks in Germany. If veterinary treatment is not initiated as soon as possible, serious complications can arise from secondary infections.
A horse with fever and respiratory symptoms should always be examined by a veterinarian immediately. This is the only way to act quickly in the event of a herpes virus outbreak. Since the clinical symptoms are not characteristic but can be a sign of several other respiratory diseases, your vet should take samples and send them to a laboratory. Blood tests, swabs, or secretion samples can be used to determine the exact pathogen. Your vet will advise you on the best course of action in each individual case.
To prevent further spread of the disease, the first measure after diagnosis must be to isolate sick animals. All persons coming into contact with these animals must adhere to strict hygiene and disinfection regulations. The affected barn should be placed under quarantine, which must be maintained for at least three weeks after the acute symptoms have subsided.
As this is a viral disease, there is no specific treatment. Treatment therefore focuses on alleviating the clinical symptoms. Depending on their severity, respiratory diseases are treated by a veterinarian with fever-reducing and immune-boosting medication. Affected animals should be rested and not subjected to stress too soon after the symptoms have subsided.
In the case of neurological disorders, the exact treatment depends on the condition of the animal. If horses are severely dehydrated, their fluid balance must be restored by administering infusion solutions. Anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting medications are also used. If the horse is already lying down, soft bedding or a pad should be provided.
Widespread vaccination is the most effective measure for preventing severe forms of the disease and deaths caused by herpesvirus infections. Vaccination does not prevent infection in individual horses, but it reduces the severity of the disease. It also significantly reduces the duration and level of virus shedding, greatly reducing the risk of infection for other horses. To reduce the viral load, the entire herd should therefore be vaccinated if possible.
The Standing Vaccination Commission for Veterinary Medicine (StiKo Vet), a committee of veterinary experts, therefore continues to recommend vaccination against herpes as a "core component." This means that every horse should be protected against this disease at all times.
Depending on the vaccine, vaccination is possible from three or six months of age. For basic immunization, two or three vaccinations are given at intervals that vary depending on the vaccine. After that, booster vaccinations are necessary every six months. Pregnant mares are vaccinated two or three times during pregnancy, depending on the vaccine. The same vaccine should always be used during a pregnancy.
Your vet can send you a personalized vaccination schedule for your horse via petsXL. You will then automatically receive notifications when it is time to make another appointment.
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