According to a news release from Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, a Standardbred racehorse residing in Genesee County, Mich., has tested positive for the neurologic equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), as confirmed by state veterinarian Steve Halstead, DVM, Jan 2.
Michigan case of equine herpesvirus-1
Equine herpes virus is an Infection in horses that can cause respiratory disease, abortion in mares, neonatal foal death, and/or neurologic disease.
What Is Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1)
Equine herpes virus is an Infection in horses that can cause respiratory disease, abortion in mares, neonatal foal death, and/or neurologic disease.
The neurologic form of EHV-1 is called Equine Herpes Virus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM).
The virus can spread through the air, contaminated equipment, clothing and hands.
EHV-1 is endemic to the United States and is usually handled by the States involved; USDA becomes involved in cases involving multiple States or movement of horses across State lines.
Equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) is another name for the neurologic disease associated with equine herpesvirus (EHV) infections. Neurological signs appear as a result of damage to blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord associated with EHV infection. Interference with the blood supply leads to tissue damage and a subsequent loss in normal function of areas in the brain and spinal cord.
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