The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has quarantined a property in Burlington County after one horse developed the highly infectious equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM).
The horse, an 18-year-old gelding, developed acute clinical signs on Jan. 7 and was euthanized. EHM is the often-deadly neurologic form of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) infection. The two remaining horses on the premises are under quarantine and being monitored for sickness. No recent horse movements have occurred from the herd, making the risk of disease spread from this case very low.
The EHV-1 virus spreads quickly among horses. It can cause respiratory problems, especially in young horses, and spontaneous abortions in pregnant mares, and its neurologic form of the virus can result in death. The incubation period of EHV-1 is typically two to 10 days. Clinical signs include respiratory disease, fever, nasal discharge, depression, cough, lack of appetite and/or enlarged lymph nodes.
In horses infected with the neurologic strain of EHV-1, clinical signs typically include mild incoordination, hind-end weakness or paralysis, loss of bladder and tail function and loss of hind-end skin sensation. The virus spreads readily through direct contact with infected materials. It is endemic in the U.S., and although highly infectious, doesn’t persist in the environment for an extended period. It is neutralized by hand soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizers and sunlight.
The virus does not affect humans and other domestic animals, except for llamas and alpacas. The NJDA Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is available to assist veterinarians with EHV-1 testing. For contact information, visit the lab website at www.jerseyvetlab.nj.gov.
Concerned owners should consult their veterinarian before taking any action, as the clinical signs of infection with the neurological form of EHV-1 (EHM) are common to many other diseases. EHM is a reportable disease in New Jersey. If an owner has a horse exhibiting neurologic signs or suspects equine herpes, they are directed to call their veterinarian immediately.
