ALBURGH, Vt. (WCAX) – Competition season for horses is approaching, and experts say owners need to take extra care to keep them healthy. That’s because an animal in Alburgh is sick with a contagious virus that is known to cause outbreaks.
It’s equine herpes. Vermont state vet Kristin Haas says most horses will contract the virus at some point in their lives, with respiratory symptoms, but this neurological presentation is much more unusual. It is sometimes referred to as Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM). Haas emphasizes that horses should always be quarantined for several weeks before going to events, where spread is likely.
When horses aren’t at home, Haas suggests keeping the animals at a safe distance, just as humans have been exercising for the past year.
“The most common way this disease spreads is through horse-to-horse contact, but it can also be carried from one horse to another by means of tack, buckets, wheelbarrows, supplies, and on people’s bodies. and shoes, and things like that., ”said Haas.
The virus cannot be transmitted to humans. The infected horse in Alburgh is currently in quarantine. If your horses show a fever or other types of neurological symptoms, such as difficulty standing, call a vet immediately.
Visit here for more information about this virus.
Copyright 2021 WCAX. All rights reserved.