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u There are five types of Equine Herpesvirus
that affect horses and donkeys in Australia.
Equine Herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) and Equine
Herpesvirus 4 (EHV-4) are the most common
and cause the greatest health risks for horses.
EHV-1 is the most detrimental type of the
virus as it can cause abortion outbreaks. It is
responsible for respiratory and neurological
diseases as well as abortion in mares. EHV-4
is also known as Equine rhinopneumonitis and
most commonly causes respiratory illnesses in
young horses and is occasionally responsible
for abortion in mares and neurological diseases.
Equine Herpesvirus is highly contagious and
spread through contact with infected nasal
discharge, either via horse to horse contact
or contact with contaminated equipment.
Transmission also occurs through contact with
an aborted foetus, placenta or placental fluids.
It can also be transmitted through the air for
short distances. Once infected with EHV the
virus is latent for life in the horse and may
reactivate when they become stressed. A once
infected horse becomes a carrier and can pass
it on to other horses without displaying any
symptoms themselves.
Signs of EHV-1 and EHV-4 include fever,
depression, loss of appetite, coughing, nasal
discharge and abortion. Abortion in mares is
more commonly caused by EHV-1 and usually
occurs during the later stages of pregnancy,
between 7-11 months of gestation.
There are vaccinations available for Equine
Herpesvirus in Australia. Duvaxyn EHV 1,4
Vaccine is available through veterinarians for
vaccination against EHV-1 and EHV-4. The first
vaccination can be given from 5 months of age,
followed by a second injection 4-6 weeks later.
The horse then requires a booster vaccination
every 6 months. Pregnant mares should be
vaccinated at 5, 7 and 9 months of gestation to
reduce the chance of EHV related abortions.
For more information on Equine Herpesvirus or
the Duvaxyn EHV 1, 4 Vaccine please contact
your veterinarian. If a mare does abort a foal, it
is important to contact your vet; as if it is caused
by EHV some states class it as a notifiable disease
and it will need to be reported to Biosecurity.
EQUINE
HERPESVIRUS
