Equine Guelph has announced that a horse in Ontario --- in Wellington County, specifically --- has been infected with equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1).

Equine Guelph confirmed the case on Friday, April 12.

Outbreaks of neurological EHV-1 are contagious and have a significant risk of mortality. ANYTHING that touches an infected horse or carries secretions or manure from sick horses has the potential to transfer pathogens to other horses.

EHV-1 is a viral infection which can cause respiratory disease, abortion, death in newborn foals, and neurological form of herpes.

Prevention Tips

1. Isolate affected or exposed horses, but don't move from farm.
2. Isolate new horses for minimum two weeks.
3. Horses can carry EHV-1 virus for life and can become contagious if stressed (i.e. strenuous exercise or transport).
4. A healthy horse can spread the virus.
5. Virus is spread by direct horse-to-horse contact through nasal secretions and it can also spread through contact with contaminated tack and equipment.

Care Should Include:

• Horses suspected to be actively shedding virus should be examined by a vet.
• Infected and exposed horses should be isolated immediately.
• Discuss vaccination plan with your vet (often particularly important for broodmares).
• Check for fever. It is one of the most consistent clinical signs, and commonly precedes the development of other clinical signs.

Trot Insider will update this story when more information becomes available.