Is there EHV-1 in the UK?

Is there EHV-1 in the UK?

The risk of equine herpes virus (EHV-1) in the UK is nearing “normal levels” following the European outbreak. On 18 March British Equestrian (BEF) announced that the risk to the UK had “mildly increased” since the outbreak in Valencia, which started on 20 February.

Is there a vaccine for EHV-1?

Herpesvirus Vaccines Vaccines available against EHV-1 and EHV-4 infection are available and are being progressively more widely used. They do not completely prevent individual horses from infection but they reduce the risk of infection to other horses and the severity of clinical signs if infection occurs.

Should I vaccinate for EHV?

There is no vaccine registered to prevent EHV-1 neurological disease. Vaccination is especially recommended for horses under the age of five as they may be particularly susceptible to respiratory disease caused by EHV-1.

How often do you vaccinate for EHV?

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recommends EHV vaccination every 6 months for competing horses. Some vaccine suppliers recommend vaccinating every 3 months.

What are the symptoms of EHV-1?

Clinical Signs (EHV-1 and EHV-4)

• Fever.
• Difficulty urinating.
• Nasal discharge and cough.
• Depression.
• Head tilt.
• Loss of tail tone.
• Stumbling or weakness in the hind limbs, may progress to all limbs.
• Down and unable to rise.

Can humans get EHV-1?

EHV-1 is not transmissible to humans. How is the virus shed from an infected horse? Horses infected with EHV-1 shed the virus in their nasal secretions.

Is EHV-1 a notifiable disease?

EHV is not a notifiable disease by law – however, horses that show clinical signs or have been in recent contact with the disease should not be exported. Good stud management is essential in the prevention of EHV.

Is EHV-1 a reportable disease?

In California, EHM is a reportable disease and therefore the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory (CAHFS) must be used to perform EHV-1 testing in suspected cases. Positive cases tested at a none-state diagnostic laboratory need to be confirmed by CAHFS.

What is the incubation period for EHV-1?

The EHV-1 incubation period is defined as the period of time from exposure of the horse to the virus, to the time the horse displays clinical signs of disease. The incubation period for EHM is typically from 2-10 days, but may be as short as 24 hours or as long as 14 days.

Can a horse recover from EHV?

In most cases, horses exposed to EHV-1 will develop a fever and possibly nasal discharge and then go on to recover. However, the neurologic EHM strain has a high mortality rate of 30-50%. Recovery time can vary from several days to more than a year.

Is there a test for EHV-1?

EHV-1 is commonly diagnosed from nasal swabs or blood samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which amplifies the DNA of the virus so that it can be detected.

How often does a horse need a flu jab?

Vaccination is often given as a combination vaccine with equine influenza. A primary course of two vaccinations is given 4-6 weeks apart, followed by a booster in 12 months. Subsequent vaccinations are usually given every 2 years.