Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) is a highly contagious viral infection causing respiratory disease, neurological disorders and even abortions

Equine Herpesvirus

This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly.

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) is a highly contagious airborne disease and occurs in horses worldwide. The most common strains are EHV-1 and EHV-4. EHV can cause respiratory and neurological diseases in horses of any age and breed. For pregnant mares there is a risk of abortion.

Symptoms of Equine Herpesvirus

  • Lethargic
  • Poor limb coordination
  • Recumbeny
  • Balance issues
  • Nostrils discharge
  • Coughing
  • Low Appetite
  • Depression
  • Decreased performance
  • Fever
  • No passing
  • No Passing

Common in

  • Abortion (pregnant mares)

Treatment of Equine Herpesvirus

The disease itself is not treatable. In case of an infection with EHV a symptomatic treatment will be performed.

Prevention of Equine Herpesvirus

Since EHV is highly contagious in case of a potential outbreak horses must be quickly isolated and good hygiene measures should be put in place. A Vaccination against EHV is available and especially recommended for horses under the age of five. For showing horses the vaccination is mandatory.

How Happie can help you manage your horse's health

Happie Horse App digitale Gesundheitsakte

Digital health management offers numerous benefits in modern equine healthcare.

With the Happie Horse App, you can track symptom patterns and body values, such as Temperature, Pulse and Respiration. Allowing you to notice abnormal changes in body and behaviour early on, leading to more successful treatments.

The Happie symptom checker allows you to add all of your horse’s abnormal symptoms in order to present potential causes and diseases.

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