EHV- Rhinopneumonitus

More commonly known as equine herpes, is a highly infectious virus that will always require immediate veterinary attention. There are five main forms of EHV, strains one and four being the most problematic. These two, more severe forms of the virus, often referred to as 'The Cough', tend to lead to a suppression of the horse's immune system and to cause respiratory problems. Symptoms may be inclusive of a watery nasal secretion, a loss of appetite, depression, lethargy and a lack of coordination.

Contraction of the EHV virus varies, however it is most commonly contracted through nasal discharge or inhalation. If the virus is detected in its early stages it may be treated and managed; however, if the virus remains untreated it may cause the sporadic termination of a pregnancy, neurological problems and often death in young foals.

The full seriousness of such a virus was highlighted in 2003 at Findlay University Ohio where the deadly EHV type-1 virus was detected in over 140 of the campuses horses with a further twelve fatalities. The outbreak has remained one of the largest of its kind in the past decade and highlights the irregularity of such an unpredictable virus.

Diagnosing the virus is often a lengthy task requiring the veterinarian to review the horse's previous medical history and for the horse to undergo a thorough physical examination. This examination is dependent upon the horse's symptoms and may include nasal swabs, x-rays and blood samples. In the unfortunate event of an abortion, diagnosis of the virus may come through the examination of both the foetus and placenta.

Although there is no definite cure for the herpes virus, there are medications to help with further infection and also to aid the horse's respiratory system. The virus may remain dormant for the duration of the horse's life yet could potentially resurface at any time. The horse's immune system is often weakened due to the virus and is thus unable to overcome the virus alone. The volatility of such a virus requires the horse to be well rested at all times and be surrounded by fresh air in conjunction with a well balanced, nutritious diet. It is essential that an infected horse be kept in isolation so as not to infect other horses.