A Sussex County property has been quarantined after two horses developed highly infectious equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM). A seven-year-old Standardbred mare became sick on Oct. 1 and improved after prompt medical treatment. Six days later, a three-year-old Standardbred mare developed clinical signs of fever and was unable to get up. She was humanely euthanized due to severe clinical deterioration.
EHM is the often-deadly neurologic form of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) infection. Other horses on the premises are under quarantine. Temperatures are also being taken twice daily on all quarantined horses to monitor for sickness. The state Department of Agriculture is tracing and notifying the appropriate parties regarding recent horse movement.
“The Department quickly took the necessary steps in an effort to stop the disease from spreading by placing a quarantine on the movement of other horses to and from the property,” said state Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Joseph Atchison III.
“These preventative measures are vital in containing what is a highly contagious virus for horses.”
The EHV-1 organism spreads quickly from horse to horse and can cause respiratory problems, especially in young horses and spontaneous abortions in pregnant mares, while the neurologic form of the virus can result in death. The incubation period of EHV-1 is typically 2-10 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 lack of coordination, hind-end weakness/paralysis, loss of bladder and tail function, and loss of sensation to the skin in the hind end. The virus spreads readily through direct contact with infected materials.
The virus is endemic in the country and although highly infectious, it does not persist in the environment for an extended period and 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 first case of EHV-1 in New Jersey was confirmed in September in Gloucester County.
The NJDA Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is available to assist veterinarians with EHV-1 testing. For contact information, please visit the lab website: www.jerseyvetlab.nj.gov. Concerned owners should consult with their veterinarian prior to 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.