RECENT studies have shown that veterinary surgeons and horse owners must work together to reduce the risk of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV). EHV 1 and 4 are the most common stains of the virus. It is highly contagious and can cause respiratory disease, abortion and on rare occasions neurological disease.

In addition to the above, sub-clinical infections can be associated with a syndrome of poor performance and have a potential effect on the health of the whole yard.

The two surveys, which were run by Zoetis, focused on two separate groups and combined they received approximately 1300 responses. The first was aimed at veterinary surgeons and the second at horse owners. The surveys were prompted by recent flu outbreaks and they aimed to provide a better understanding of veterinary strategies to control outbreaks and to understand horse owner knowledge and awareness of EHV, in order to identify the most effective ways to minimise disease.

Survey findings

Over 55% of horse owners said they were unaware there was a vaccination available for EHV. Of those who are currently not vaccinating against EHV 77% said they would now would having learnt more about it.

Veterinary advice and rider association endorsement were consistently identified as the most valued sources of information when it comes to learning about infectious diseases and biosecurity and making decisions to vaccinate.

“The majority of horses are infected with EHV in the first few years of life,” explained Zoetis veterinary suregon Wendy Talbot. “Renewed shedding of virus from the nose of infected horses, especially during times of stress, results in new outbreaks and clinical cases. Virus is also spread by contact with infected aborted foals and the placenta.

“Vaccination against EHV is important because it helps to prime the horse’s immune system to respond faster and more effectively to ward off disease. It helps reduce the severity and spread of the respiratory disease and the frequency of abortion. As with flu, rigorous biosecurity is also imperative to help minimise the risks of EHV spreading.”

Emmeline Hannelly, British Horse Society Welfare Education Manager, said: “The awareness and interest in equine contagious diseases has increased in the equine community following the equine influenza outbreak. As reflected in the survey results, it’s encouraging that a high proportion of horse owners want to find out further information.”