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Michigan's Mandatory Requirements for EHV:
Any person entering a horse to race at one of the state's seven
pari-mutuel racetracks is required to provide a certificate of
vaccination from a veterinary professional indication that the
horse has been vaccinated within the past 6 months. Persons
falling to provide a certificate will be refused entry to the
racetrack. Horse owners are advised to consult their veterinarian
concerning EHV vaccination in order to meet the specific needs of
their horses.
Protecting your horse from EHV:
* Get your horse vaccinated by a veterinary professional.
* Do not share bits, buckets or other equipment between horses.
* Clean and disinfect all equipment on a regular basis.
* Observe your horse daily for symptoms, including checking the
horses temperature if it doesn't appear normal.
Spread of the Virus:
Transmission from horse to horse is usually by close contact
aerosol (coughing, sneezing and breathing) and by exposure to oral
or nasal discharges from an infected horse. Nasal and oral
discharges can also contaminate buckets, clothing, bits, tacks and
other ewuipment.
Reporting EHV:
EHV is a reportable animal disease. If you suspect that a horse may
have EHV, you must immediately contact your veterinarian or state
veterinarian.
What is EHV?
Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) or Rhinopheumonitis is a viral disease
that causes upper respiratory infection, fever, nasal discharge and
may also lead to abortions. Horses are most infectious 6-10 days
after contracting EHV.
Signs of Infection:
There are a variety of different strains of EHV. Clinical signs vary
with age of the animal, his/her immune status, and the strain of the
agent. Common signs include:
* Depression and fever (usually the first signs observed)
* Upper respiratory infection with nasal discharge and coughing
* Abortion in pregnant mares.
EHV can also cause neurological disease. Common
sings include:
* Weakness in hind quarters and incoordination
* Inability to urinate or produce manure
* Recumbancy and death
Contact Information:
Michigan Department of Agriculture
Animal Industry Division
PO Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909
www.michigan.gov/mda
Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
(517) 373-1077
Weekends or After Hours
(517) 373-0040
The Office of the Racing Commissioner
PO Box 30773
Lansing, MI 48909
www.michigan.gov/horseracing
Monday - Friday, 8:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.
(517) 335-1420 |
