Veterinary college warns Punjab farmers of equine herpes virus outbreak

Recently, there has been a significant increase in cases of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1), particularly of the strain causing equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM), a neurological disease in horses caused by EHV. The particularity of this epidemic is the presence only of nervous signs and the absence of any respiratory form or abortion in pregnant mares, as described in the literature on herpes infections. This impact on the nervous system causes paralysis in affected horses.

In collaboration with the National Institute, the veterinary university confirmed the outbreak in Punjab, with cases reported in Moga, Mansa, Muktsar, Bathinda, Patiala, Gurdaspur and the neighboring state of Rajasthan. Horse breeding is an emerging practice in Punjab, which provides substantial income to farmers and is home to some of the best Marwari horses.

With the increasing number of infections, valuable breeding animals are at risk. The outbreak also poses a threat to horses serving in the police, ITBP, BSF and other paramilitary and military forces in north India.

Moreover, the upcoming horse fairs in Punjab are raising further concerns over the rapid spread of the disease.

Dr Ashwani Sharma, from the university, said: “It is crucial to stay informed and act quickly. We urge all horse owners, especially in Punjab and neighboring states, to remain vigilant and act quickly.

Symptoms

The disease spreads slowly, initially affecting one or two horses in the herd. Its symptoms are sudden onset of paresis of the hindquarters of varying degrees, dragging toe, knuckles or stumbling, inability/difficulty getting up, sometimes fever, almost normal appetite, urinary incontinence, penile prolapse in males, hypotonia of the tail/anus, head. tilting, cranial nerve deficit in the form of eyelid prolapse/drooping ears, nostril asymmetry and recumbency with progression of signs leading to death. The animal faces ataxia or a staggering gait due to hindquarter weakness. Recumbency is noted in some horses.

“Early treatment can lead to recovery. Quality long-term nursing and care can lead to complete clinical recovery in non-recumbent horses,” said Dr Sharma.

Managing sick horses

Dr Sharma recommended providing affected horses with better seating and bedding, such as grass, sand, rice or wheat straw, ensuring that food and water are easily accessible.

He advised keeping animals lying in a sternal position, changing sides every 2 to 4 hours, and using a padded sling for standing if possible. Affected horses shed the virus through respiratory excretions. They must therefore be isolated in well-ventilated spaces, away from other animals. New horses must be quarantined for at least 21 days before joining the herd.

Disease prevention

Vaccination provides short-term immunity but limits the spread of infection during an epidemic. Although current vaccines do not completely prevent EHM, they do reduce the severity of symptoms. All horses should be vaccinated twice a year at six month intervals, with a booster at outbreaks for previously vaccinated animals. Foals should receive the first dose between 4 and 6 months of age, followed by two booster doses. Pregnant mares should be vaccinated at 5, 7 and 9 months of gestation to prevent abortion and breeding animals should do so. Stallions and mares must be vaccinated before the start of the breeding season.