UPDATE ON EHV-1 CONFERENCE CALL
June 20,2011
An update on the EHV-1 situation in Alberta and Western Canada was obtained this morning via a conference call with Veterinarians from Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Participants of the conference call included the Chief Provincial Veterinarian, members of Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, faculty from the University of Calgary Veterinary Medicine, Provincial Animal Laboratory veterinarians and local Equine practitioners.
There has been NO new cases of nEHV-1 reported since the last telephone conference on June 13, 2011.
No new cases have been reported by the British Columbia veterinarian in attendance on the conference call, nEHV-1 cases are not required to be reported to the provincial government in these provinces therefore we have limited information on cases.
From the initial work done on EHV-1 cases in Alberta by the Government Epidemiologist, Dr. Otto, this virus has followed a classical distribution for a single source occurance. This speaks to the fact that no "second wave" of infections have developed. It is the opinion of the authors below, the risk of spread to horses outside the cutting horse population is extremely low and close to the normal level of risk encountered for horses attending large equine gatherings.
It has come to the attention of government veterinarians that a number of boarding locations have not been registered with a Premise Identification Numbet. This is required for all premises with any kind of livestock, even if privately owned. It is through this type of system that an epidemiologist can do proper, expedient tracking of diseases. We urge all horse owners to visit http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/trace12354 and become registered.
Releasing horses from quarantine:
There are a few remaining horses and boarding locations considered under quarantine as enough time has not passed for complete comfort. These are under veterinary consultation and cooperating fully. At this time, they do not pose a significant risk to the cutting horse population if proper quarantine and protocols presently in place are followed.
To address concerns for the upcoming cutting horse competitions, the group has created a list of recommendations for organizers of cutting horse competitions. There are also recommendations being developed out of California which mirror our efforts. Any group interested in discussing these options please contact your veterinarian or the authors below.
Biosecurity is a key component to limiting spread of any infectious disease and all individuals in contact with horses should remain mindful of appropriate procedures.
There is no follow up conference call scheduled at this time. This speaks well for the level of comfort this group of veterinarians have; this situation is coming to its natural end. If any further issues arise, a conference call can and will be easily called at short notice.
As always we will continue to update our information as it becomes available.
Greg Andrews, DVM Ashley Whitehead, DVM, BSc, DVsc
Moore Equine Veterinary Centre Ltd. University of Calgar Veterinary Medicine
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EHV-1 ("Rhino") Outbreak
We are following the suggestions set out by the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association. This is not a pandemic that has spread through significant numbers of Canadian horses at this time - only one Alberta horse (located in Southern Alberta) has been confirmed to have EHV-1 neurologic signs and is being treated. Precautions have been taken by owners of any exposed horses and the CFIA is monitoring the situation. While this is certainly a serious condition in horses, most horses that are exposed will recover.
This outbreak may be linked to cutting horses as exposure may have occured at a Cutting Horse Show in Utah. Contact with a symptomatic horse would be required for disease transmission, therefore disciplines unrelated to cutting are said to be at low risk at this time (these include reining, english disciplines, etc.). Most cutting and cowhorse shows are being voluntarily cancelled over the next 21 days to ensure the outbreak does not worsen.
EHV-1 or "Rhinopneumonitis" is a respiratory disease of horses. The virus is typically passed by direct contact between horses (especially sniffing between stalls or over a fence). There are reports of transmission by contact with people's clothing, shoes or instruments, but these are less common. The neurological form is thought to be a mutant of the respiratory form and shows up sporadically in North America.
Signs of this condition include: lethargy, nasal discharge, fever (rectal temp >38.5C), incoordination, hind end weakness, urine dribbling, and diminished tail tone.
We feel that any horse displaying any of these signs should be seen by a veterinarian immediately, given the recent outbreak. This condition can be fatal if left untreated, however, if caught early, treatment can be successful. Treatment includes anti-viral drugs, maintaining hydration and admistration of anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drugs.
There is a vaccination available that gives some protection for the respiratory form of EHV-1, but it does not protect against the neurological form. We would not recommend vaccinating an individual who may be showing any of the above signs. In general terms it is felt that reducing the prevalence of the respiratory form and keeping horses as healthy as possible will reduce the incidence of the neurologic form, we therefore recommend vaccination for any horse that travels to shows (or places of exposure to strange horses) and for any horses exposed to horses that travel to shows.
At this time, we would strongly recommend that any cutting or cowhorse that may have been exposed is kept at home for a quarantine period of 21 days, however, we can never be sure which animals are carrying and spreading infectious diseases. Anytime we expose our horses to others we risk contracting these diseases and accept the potential consequences associated with them.
For more information, please see the following links:
American Association of Equine Practitioners Website:
https://www.aaep.org/ehv_resources.htm
UC Davis Website
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh/ehv1_general.cfm
Equine Herpes Brochure
http://www.mooreequine.ca/documents/equine_herpesvirus_brochure_2009.pdf
We welcome phone calls or emails regarding this situation or regarding any of your horse health questions! Every situation is different and we would be glad to help you make decisions for your specific animals. We are reachable at 403-932-6160 or by email:
