As a result of the recent confirmed cases of Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) in the Campbellville, Ont. area and the frequent movement of horses from Ontario and Quebec to the Maritime provinces, the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission issued an updated statement on Tuesday morning.
On Monday, the MPHRC announced that, effective immediately any horse that was stabled at the Campbellville Training Centre after April 29, 2013 is barred from entering the grounds of any racetrack under the jurisdiction of the MPHRC and no entries for horses stabled at this location will be accepted until further notice.
On Tuesday, the MPHRC further announced that, a further update to include horses from the private Quebec stable known as 'Les Cedres' which is located near the town of Les Cedres, Québec, which is approximately 25 kilometers from the Ontario-Québec border, off the Autoroute 20.
MPHRC recommends that all participants be vigilant and take appropriate steps due to the infectious nature of this virus. 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
- Isolate affected or exposed horses, but don't move from farm.
- Isolate new horses for minimum two weeks.
- Horses can carry EHV-1 virus for life and can become contagious if stressed (i.e. strenuous exercise or transport).
- A healthy horse can spread the virus.
- 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.
Perhaps the Ontario Racing
Perhaps the Ontario Racing Commission could announce a time frame under which the training centre is to remain quarantined. Many of these trainer/owners are under enough financial pressure that not-racing is adding to the frustration. Usually a 28 day quarantine is used, however, a shorter one of 14 days can be used if followed by PCR testing of nasal swabs for shedding (perhaps paid for by the Premier's Ministry?). Giving a timeframe may relieve some of the anxiety. All of the Racing Commissions who are willing to impose quarantine or restrict race entries should have policy with a protocol in place and made available to the public.
Respectfully
Alison Moore DVM, DVSc, DACVIM