Veterinarians and horse owners in QLD are advised to stay vigilant with biosecurity measures to prevent and manage equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) following two recent detections in horses in the state.
Biosecurity Queensland has confirmed detections of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) in one horse with neurological signs in the Townsville region and up to three horses with abortions on a single property in the Toowoomba region.
Endemic to Australia, EHV-1 is a highly contagious viral disease of horses. It commonly causes mild respiratory disease, occasionally abortion and very rarely, neurological signs. The disease is highly contagious and spreads easily by direct horse-to-horse contact or by contaminated equipment (e.g. feed, water buckets or tack).
“Symptoms may include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, depression, and incoordination,” Equine Veterinarians Australia president Dr Albert Sole Guitart said.
“In severe cases, horses may experience difficulty standing, urinating, or defaecating.”
People are not at risk of EHV-1 infection, however other diseases that are transmissible to people such as Hendra virus could present with similar clinical signs.
“If any horse owners suspect their animals may be infected or are presenting symptoms, they are strongly encouraged to isolate their horse and contact their treating veterinarian immediately,” Dr Sole Guitart said.
Biosecurity Queensland is coordinating with veterinarians and industry stakeholders to monitor the situation and provide guidance on containment and prevention strategies.
Authorities are urging horse owners and equine facility managers to immediately report any suspected cases to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or via the Emergency Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888.
