PRESTIGE® EHV - 1/4 (EHV-1, EHV-4, respiratory) | Merck Animal Health USA (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between EHV-1 and EHV-4? ›

Differences in Pathogenesis

EHV-1/4 infect v 1. ia the respiratory tract. not EHV-4, infects local lymphoid cells via cell-to-cell contact. A cell-associated viremia is established for EHV-1 and transports the virus to secondary replication sites.

EQUIVAC® INNOVATOR EHV-1/4 is for the vaccination of healthy horses as an aid in the prevention of equine rhinopneumonitis due to types 1 and 4 viruses. Protection against upper-respiratory disease should include vaccination for EHV-1 and EHV4.

Equine herpesvirus (EHV), also known as equine rhinopneumonitis, is a family of highly contagious viruses found in horses worldwide. Of the nine known herpesviruses, EHV-1, EHV-3, and EHV-4 pose the highest disease risk to U.S. horses. They do not pose a risk to people.

Treatment of Equine Herpesvirus Infection

Rest, supportive care, and NSAIDs are indicated to minimize secondary complications and to treat fever > 102.5°F (39°C). Antimicrobial treatment is only instituted upon suspicion of secondary bacterial infection evidenced by purulent nasal discharge or pulmonary disease.

EHV-4 normally causes respiratory disease but occasionally has caused abortion in single mares. Transmission is by the respiratory route. Primary replication of the virus is in the mucosal epithelium, followed by a lymphocyte-associated viremia.

If your horse's temperature is greater than 101.5 F, contact your veterinarian. Clean your equipment. You can readily kill EHV-1 with many common disinfectants including diluted bleach, quaternary ammonium compounds, accelerated peroxide and peroxygen compounds, and iodophors.

In most cases, horses exposed to EHV-1 will develop a fever and possibly nasal discharge and then go on to recover. However, the neurologic EHM strain has a high mortality rate of 30-50%.

Incubation period: 2-8 days. Once a fever occurs, neurologic signs may develop within the next week. Shedding: Shedding in horses with EHM may occur for as long as 28 days. The virus does not survive outside of the host for very long in the environment.

EBV is primarily spread through saliva and can be transmitted by kissing or sharing items such as utensils, drinking glasses, or toothbrushes. In children, EBV can be spread by the sharing of toys that young children may have put in their mouths. EBV can also be transmitted through blood, sem*n, and organ transplants.

Is EHV Curable? ›

Is there a treatment for EHM? The standard form of care for EHM is primarily supportive. Treatments may include intravenous fluids or anti-inflammatory drugs. Antibiotics may be used to treat a secondary bacterial infection if one develops; however, antibiotics have no effect on the equine herpesvirus itself.

Length of quarantine: 21 days after the LAST clinical sign which is usually temperature.

The differences in pathogenicity between both viruses seem to be reflected in cellular host range: EHV-1 can readily be propagated in many cell types of multiple species, while EHV-4 entry and replication appear to be restricted mainly to equine cells.

EHV-1 is not transmissible to humans. How is the virus shed from an infected horse? Horses infected with EHV-1 shed the virus in their nasal secretions. Respiratory shedding of the virus generally occurs for 7-10 days, but may persist longer in infected horses.

Some horses may have reddish mucous membranes, puffy and red eyes, and swollen legs. Horses with the neurological form of EHV-1 can soon become uncoordinated and weak and have difficulty standing. They may also experience difficulty in urinating and defecating.

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) is a highly contagious airborne disease. There are five main strains of EHV, but strains EHV-1 and EHV-4 are the most common and occur in horses world wide.

In most cases, horses exposed to EHV-1 will develop a fever and possibly nasal discharge and then go on to recover. However, the neurologic EHM strain has a high mortality rate of 30-50%.

EHV-1 infection is associated with respiratory disease, abortion in mares, neonatal death of foals, ocular disease, and, more rarely, encephalomyelopathy. As of March 26, 2021, a total of 18 horses had died during the outbreak: 11 in Spain, 5 in Germany, and 2 in Belgium.