THE Animal Health Trust (AHT) has begun developing a new vaccination against equine herpes. The equine herpes virus (EHV) can lead to a number of serious problems, including respiratory disease, neurological problems in adult horses and abortion or fatal illness in new-born foals.

The virus can lie dormant in horses for years and can be transmitted directly and indirectly. The virus can also transmitted over short distances in the air.

A steering group established by the AHT agreed that the Trust should design a modified live vaccine. The steering group was made up of experts on human and equine herpes.

There is currently no licenced vaccine to protect horses from the neurological strain of the disease (EHV-1).The current vaccines available are not suitable for horses who are harbouring the virus and in many cases the vaccine may make them worse not better.

INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT

Speaking to The Irish Field Des Leadon of the Irish Equine Centre said he welcomed the development of the vaccine. Leadon said: “This is a pan-industry funded effort to develop a new and improved Equine Herpes vaccine, with better protection against abortion and hopefully improved protection against the equally devastating nervous form of the disease.”

The research is being led by the AHT’s Dr Neil Bryant, who described the virus as a “major welfare concern.”

The research for the vaccine is pan-industry funded. AHT trustees Professor David Silk and David Ellis worked alongside internally renowned vets Professor Sidney Ricketts and Professor Joe Brownlie to set the project in motion.

Equine leaders from around the world have all supported the project, including Coolmore Ireland, Juddmonte Farms, the Racing Foundation and many more. This funding has also been supplemented by significant donations made to the Animal Health Trust.