With the recent outbreaks of the neurological form of equine herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1), horse owners have been seeking information and advice on risks posed by this disease and methods to help protect their horses from exposure and infection. Pfizer Animal Health and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders (KTOB) have developed a video to help educate horse owners and answer some of their questions on EHV-1. The video is now available on YouTube.
“In the wake of recent Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalophy (EHM) cases there is a great deal of information being disseminated to the public, it is our responsibility as Animal Health educators to make sure that information is accurate and easy to understand,” said Tom Lenz, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACT and Senior Director, Equine Veterinary Services for Pfizer Animal Health. “This equine herpesvirus video is intended to answer questions that horse owners may have concerning the disease. Horse owners are still encouraged to use their veterinarian as their main resource and contact them with any questions regarding this disease or any health concerns with their horse.”
The equine herpesvirus video features three renowned veterinarians including Dr. Kenton Morgan, Veterinary Services at Pfizer Animal Health, Dr. Doug Byars, an expert in veterinary disease and Dr. Craig Carter, Director of the University of Kentucky Diagnostic Laboratory. Dr. Byars is board certified in internal medicine and veterinary critical care, and previously was a long time director of the Hagyard Davidson, & McGee Medicine Department in Lexington, KY. Dr. Carter is a board certified epidemiologist and his lab runs more equine herpesvirus tests than any other lab in North America. Dr. Carter is recognized as a world authority on testing equine herpesvirus.
As of June 22, 2011 Wyoming State Veterinarian Jim Logan reported that the state received its first report of a confirmed case of EHV-1 in Johnson Country. This case is not related to the outbreak that began with a cutting horse show in Ogden, Utah held April 29 – May 81. According to the American Horse Council, the USDA has released the final national EHV-1 situation report, indicating that the current EHV-1/EHM disease incident that began in Ogden, Utah appears to be resolved. However, it is critical that individual service providers and facilities continue to implement responsible biosecurity practices to minimize potential exposure to EHV-1/EHM and a variety of other contagious and infectious equine diseases2.
A total of 90 confirmed EHV-1 or EHM cases have been reported in 10 states (AZ, CA, CO, ID, NM, NV, OK, OR, UT, WA) 2. Of the 90 confirmed cases, 54 cases were horses that were at the Ogden, UT cutting event2. Thirteen horses associated with the incident have died or have been euthanized2. Please report any cases or suspect cases to your state/provincial animal health department as soon as possible. Pfizer Animal Health is encouraging anyone with questions or concerns about the disease to contact their local veterinarian.
To view the equine herpesvirus video, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N0Jfcmzbo8.
About Pfizer Animal Health
Pfizer Animal Health, a business unit of Pfizer Inc, is a world leader in the discovery, development and manufacture of innovative animal health vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic products. Pfizer Animal Health invests more in research and development than any other animal health company. We work to assure a safe, sustainable global food supply from healthy beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry and fish while helping dogs, cats and horses live healthier longer lives. We strive to be the animal health company that provides full healthcare solutions to veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners. To learn more, visit www.us.animalhealth.pfizer.com.
References:
1. Barron, Joan. First Case of Equine Virus Found in Wyoming. Star-Tribune. Posted June 22, 2011. Available at: http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/article_6680f544-55ba-5549-8f47-c908f1985178.html. Accessed June 27, 2011.
2. USDA Released Final EHV-1 Situation Report. AHC Washington Update June 23, 2011 email newsletter. 2011 American Horse Council. www.horsecouncil.org. Accessed June 24, 2011.