EHV-1 confirmed in horse near Saskatoon
EHV-1 is not transmissible to humans and most animal species, but the virus is highly contagious among horses. Photo by WCVM Today.
Equine herpes virus 1 (EHV-1) has been confirmed in a horse with neurologic disease being boarded at a stable near Saskatoon.
EHV-1 is a common equine virus to which nearly all horses are exposed during their lifetime. EHV-1 usually causes mild respiratory disease, but in some cases, the virus can spread to other parts of the body. In rare cases, the virus can affect the nervous system and cause the neurological form of EHV-1 to develop. It can also cause abortions in pregnant mares.
EHV-1 is not transmissible to humans and most animal species, but the virus is highly contagious among horses and camelids (llamas and alpacas). It’s mostly spread by direct contact, i.e. horses coming into contact with one another. Indirect contact (e.g. sharing contaminated equipment or people moving between horses without adequate hygiene procedures) and aerosol transmission over close distances (e.g. when horses cough and form infectious droplets) may also contribute.
The boarding stable is under voluntary quarantine, with the afflicted horse in isolation and receiving supportive care. Western College of Veterinary Medicine clinicians are working very closely with the stable to monitor the case as it progresses.
