Deadly Neurologic Equine Herpesvirus-1 Outbreak in France

Four horses have been euthanized and a fifth horse is recumbent following an outbreak of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) in a boarding stable in northern France, according to the treating veterinarian. Quarantine has been established and will continue for at least three more weeks.
 
Jeroen Lissens, DVM, said seven of the 63 horses at the stable have tested positive for the disease

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Four horses have been euthanized and a fifth horse is recumbent following an outbreak of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) in a boarding stable in northern France, according to the treating veterinarian. Quarantine has been established and will continue for at least three more weeks.
 
Jeroen Lissens, DVM, said seven of the 63 horses at the stable have tested positive for the disease since July 14. All but one had been vaccinated against EHV-1 within the past year. Boosters were administered immediately to all horses at the site.

“What’s particularly concerning about this outbreak is that every horse affected so far has shown neurological signs, including ataxia and incontinence,” Lissens said. “This leads us to believe we’re dealing with a mutated strain that we have not yet seen (in France).”
 
Laboratory analyses and an autopsy are underway in an attempt to reveal more details about the virus and its possible origin

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Passionate about horses and science from the time she was riding her first Shetland Pony in Texas, Christa Lesté-Lasserre writes about scientific research that contributes to a better understanding of all equids. After undergrad studies in science, journalism, and literature, she received a master’s degree in creative writing. Now based in France, she aims to present the most fascinating aspect of equine science: the story it creates. Follow Lesté-Lasserre on Twitter @christalestelas.

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