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2011 Equine Herpes Virus Update by Dr. Van GrouwOur veterinarians emphasize that you should still vaccinate your horse for equine herpes virus (rhino shot) since infection with respiratory and abortion forms of herpes virus can lead to expression of the neurologic form that is circulating in the western US. You may be aware that several states have reported equine herpes virus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) outbreaks. This particular strain of the equine herpes virus (EHV) causes neurologic signs, but current vaccines can not prevent this form of the disease. Supportive care and management of symptoms is the treatment of choice for horses with EHV. The disease is spread by direct contact with other horses, but it can also be transmitted by contaminated equipment, feed, and water buckets. Confusion exists about the vaccines currently in use for equine herpes virus. Our practice uses Pneumabort-K for use in pregnant mares at 5, 7, and 9 months of gestation. This product contains antigens for EHV-1p and EHV-1b, both of which can cause abortion. Our other combination products contain antigens for EHV-1 and EHV-4, which protect against the respiratory form of the disease. Neither one of these vaccines protects against the neurologic form. As stated above, we still strongly recommend using our rhinopneumonitis vaccines since infection with respiratory and abortion forms of EHV-1 can lead to expression of the neurologic form of the disease (EHM). An informative brochure about equine herpes virus is available from the United States Department of Agriculture.
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