The British Horse Society has issued advice concerning an outbreak of equine herpes virus (EHV1) in Gloucestershire

Two horses have been shown to have the neurological form of the disease and one the respiratory form. It appears that others are also showing signs but have yet to be definitively diagnosed.

Although not a notifiable condition, EHV1 is contagious and does have the potential to be quite a serious disease.

Indeed, the neurological form can lead to paralysis.

In most cases, EHV1 is spread via respiratory transmission so wherever horses are brought together from different yards there is the possibility for the disease to spread if one of the horses present is affected.

For this reason the Heythrop have very responsibly suspended hunting for a week.

The BHS says it is important to be aware that the risk of your horse contracting EHV1 is very small and there is certainly no need to panic. However, as with any disease, spotting it early is the best thing for your horse.

Anyone who has hunted with the Heythrop since January 24 should put their horse into quarantine for a minimum of 10 days. The same should apply for all horses on the same yard, even if they have not been hunting.

Although aimed at a different disease (strangles) the society’s STEPS leaflet provides lots of useful information about quarantining and isolating horses.

Many of the clinical signs of EHV1 can be confused with other diseases.

A high temperature is a key indicator and it is essential to monitor the temperature of ‘at risk’ horses.

Affected horses will tend to be disinterested and off their food, as well as showing typical respiratory disease signs such as coughing and a nasal discharge. If a horse is affected by the neurological form of the disease you may see some incoordination or just general “wobbliness”.

Should you have any concerns at all that your horse may be affected please contact your vet immediately.

If anyone has any further concerns about EHV or would like more information, they can contact the BHS welfare team on 02476 840517 or email welfare@bhs.org.

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