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Equine Herpesvirus-1 Alert

(Knoxville, TN, May 2011) -- The Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) outbreak in the western US has been traced to horses that attended the National Cutting Horse Association's Western Championships in Ogden, Utah, on April 30-May 8, 2011. There have been a few affected horses identified in several western states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, and Idaho.  

There were no Tennessee horses that attended the Ogden, Utah event.  There have been no reported cases of EVM due to the EHV-1 virus in Tennessee.  If you require diagnostic testing for EHV-1, be aware that UTCVM offers several options:

·         Serology for EHV-specific antibodies (red top or purple top)

·         PCR for genetic detection of EHV and identification of neurotropic strains (nasal swabs ante mortem; tissue post mortem, including lung)

·         Virus isolation (nasal swab and purple top)

The test of choice is PCR because of its sensitivity, rapidity, and ability to distinguish neurotropic strains from non-neurotropic strains.

For questions, submission information, and forms contact our Virology Laboratory at 865-974-5643 or visit our website.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners has compiled an EHV fact sheet that includes biosecurity guidelines.

 

 

Posted: 05-23-11 Viewed: 11421 times