Two EHV Cases Confirmed in Illinois

The index facility in Champaign County has been quarantined after the two EHV-positive horses were euthanized.
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The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) reported Dec. 11 that two Illinois horses have tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1).

“The University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed two positive cases of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy at a private facility in Champaign County,” the EDCC said in a statement on its website. “Out of 24 horses on the facility five presented with fever greater than 102 degrees (Fahrenheit) and hind limb swelling. Two of those horses were confirmed positive for EHV-1. The index case, a 28-year-old Quarter Horse mare, became recumbent and was euthanized. One other horse was also euthanized for unrelated complications. The facility is currently under quarantine and checking temperatures twice daily.”

Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and myeloencephalopathy (the neurologic form). In many horses, fever is the only sign of EHV-1 infection, which can go undetected.

In addition to fever, other common signs of EHV-1 infection in young horses include cough, decreased appetite, depression, and a nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation (around eight months), but can be earlier. Abortions can occur anywhere from two weeks to several months following infection with EHV-1

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Written by:

Erica Larson, former news editor for The Horse, holds a degree in journalism with an external specialty in equine science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. A Massachusetts native, she grew up in the saddle and has dabbled in a variety of disciplines including foxhunting, saddle seat, and mounted games. Currently, Erica competes in eventing with her OTTB, Dorado.

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