Two horses in Galveston County have died from a lethal strain of Equine Herpes Virus 1, or EHV1. Their deaths have been confirmed by medical testing and reported to the state. Three other deaths may be linked to the virus as well.
An obviously sick horse
Two horses in Texas have died from a lethal strain of Equine Herpes Virus-1 and the cause of death has been confirmed by medical testing and reported to the state.
All the horses infected appear to have come from two boarding stables in or near Dickinson. Both stables are now under quarantine, which affects about 20 horses kept there, according to the vet, Dr Dennis Jenkins, whose clinic stables are also under quarantine. Dr. Jenkins suspects as many as 10 more suspected cases in a rare outbreak of the Equine Herpes Virus 1, or EHV1.
âWeâre checking their temperature twice a day. If it gets between 102 degrees and 105, then there is cause for concern,â Jenkins says. So far, neither of his horses, or any of those being treated for other ailments have shown signs of infection
Horses, like humans, carry the herpes virus. Itâs unknown why the more virulent EHV-1 strain develops, but itâs often in young horses, and begins with a respiratory infection. It can progress to the nerve system, and eventually cause swelling of the brain.
The virus is spread through nasal discharge and secretions, from horse to horse. It poses no threat to human, Jenkins says.
Horses suspected of having EHV infections should be examined by a veterinarian and tested for virus shedding. Infected horses should be isolated immediately and all contact with other horses should be avoided. Exposed horses should also be isolated.
The immediate separation and isolation of identified suspect cases is key to disease control. Ideally, a person caring for a sick horse should not also work with or be around healthy horses. If this is impractical, it is recommended that healthy horses should be worked with first and sick horses last.