ehv in saskatchewan
In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected. | Photo: The Horse Staff
On June 11 the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) reported that Canadian animal health officials have reported multiple cases of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) on a single farm in southern Saskatchewan. So far, five horses diagnosed with equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM, the neurologic form of EHV-1) have been euthanized.

“The first symptoms noted were sporadic abortions (6) in a group of 70 late-term brood mares, followed by severe neurological symptoms in five horses which were subsequently euthanized,” the EDCC said. “Equine herpesvirus-1 was confirmed by PCR on June 4.

“The premises has self-quarantined, under supervision of the herd veterinarian; it is anticipated that all animals currently on the premises will not be moved for a period of several months,” the EDCC continued. “No animals were moved off the premises in the weeks prior to the outbreak. Animal movements onto the farm in the weeks prior to the outbreak are being investigated to try to identify a potential source of introduction of the virus.”

ehv in saskatchewan
Saskatchewan, Canada

EHV 101

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

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