Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) and equine herpesvirus type 4 (EHV-4) generally infect the respiratory tract leading to signs that can range from mild to severe. Young foals may be especially at risk. Horses can become carriers and may shed the virus when stressed, often without showing signs of infection. EHV-1 can result in outbreaks of abortion and occasionally neurological disease.

TRANSMISSION: viruses are generally spread by aerosolized droplets or direct contact with nasal secretions or aborted tissues/fluids from infected horses and contact with contaminated surfaces

CLINICAL SIGNS: fever, nasal discharge, lethargy, cough, neonatal death and, in the case of EHV-1, abortions and neurological signs

PROGNOSIS: most horses survive but there may be neonatal deaths and abortions

PREVENTION: initial series with a product from the FLUVAC INNOVATOR® line of vaccines or PNEUMABORT® K + 1b, then annual or biannual revaccination