Michigan Reports First EHM Case of 2018

The EHM-positive 5-year-old Standardbred gelding from Washtenaw County developed acute neurologic signs and is isolated and under veterinary care, officials said.
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EHM
In many horses, the only sign of EHM infection is fever, which can go undetected. | Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has announced the state’s first confirmed case of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM), the neurologic form of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) this year.

“The 5-year-old Standardbred gelding from Washtenaw County tested positive for … EHM after developing a sudden onset of neurologic signs: weakness, incoordination in the hind limbs, and difficulty urinating,” the MDARD said in a March 27 Facebook post. “The horse is currently under veterinary care and is isolated. The stable where the horse originated from is under quarantine and is being monitored closely.”

Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and EHM. In many horses, the only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected

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Erica Larson, former news editor for The Horse, holds a degree in journalism with an external specialty in equine science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. A Massachusetts native, she grew up in the saddle and has dabbled in a variety of disciplines including foxhunting, saddle seat, and mounted games. Currently, Erica competes in eventing with her OTTB, Dorado.

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