WCVM monitoring EHV-1 case in horse near Saskatoon

EHV-1, which is not transmissible to humans, is a common equine virus to which nearly all horses are exposed during their lifetime. EHV-1 usually causes mild respiratory disease, but in some cases, the virus can spread to other parts of the body. In rare cases, the virus can affect the nervous system and cause the neurological form of EHV-1 to develop. It can also cause abortions in pregnant mares.

While EHV-1 is not transmissible to most animal species, the virus is highly contagious among horses and camelids (llamas and alpacas). It's mostly spread by direct contact, as horses come into contact with one another. Indirect contact (sharing contaminated equipment or people moving between horses without adequate hygiene procedures) and aerosol transmission over close distances (when horses cough and form infectious droplets) may also contribute.

The boarding stable is under voluntary quarantine, with the afflicted horse in isolation and receiving supportive care. Clinicians from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan are working closely with the stable to monitor the case as it progresses.

You can read more about EHV-1 here.

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For more information, contact:
Jeanette Stewart
Communications Coordinator
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-2560
jeanette.stewart@usask.ca