Zoetis Inc. today announced that, given the concerns caused by the recent flu outbreak, it is urging equine vets to participate in a survey about equine herpesvirus (EHV). The aim is to identify the most effective ways to minimize the risks this common and debilitating infectious equine virus poses. The survey can be found here
Equine herpesvirus is a contagious virus that can cause respiratory disease, abortion and more rarely neurological disease. In addition, sub-clinical infections can be associated with a syndrome of poor performance and have the potential to affect on the health of the whole yard.
The disease is transmitted from horse to horse through the respiratory tract, by inhalation of the viral particles shed by infected horses. Once a horse is infected with equine herpesvirus, it is likely to be latently infected for life. Viral reactivation and nasal shedding can occur at any time, particularly during stressful periods such as when mixing with other horses at equine events. This can lead to acute disease episodes. Often affected horses are asymptomatic, but if they do show symptoms, they can include depression, lethargy, pyrexia, nasal discharge and a dry cough. Reduction of shedding through management and vaccination is key to disease control.
“EHV has potentially serious health, performance and financial implications across every sector of the equestrian industry,” said Wendy Talbot, National Equine Veterinary Manager at Zoetis. “The aim of our survey is to find out more about current vet protocols in practice. The results should help us to identify and then ensure that the most effective prevention strategies are accessible to vets and their clients.”
The vet survey runs from March 4–15, 2019, in parallel to a separate survey for horse owners. It is quick and easy to complete, and you could win yourself a new body warmer. UK vets please click here to complete the survey.
For further information for UK vets, please contact your Zoetis Account Manager or the Zoetis Technical Team oncustomersupportUK@zoetis.com or 0845 300 9084 choosing option 1.
References
Slater, J. (2014) Equine Herpesviruses. In: Equine Infectious Diseases. Eds., D.C. Sellon and M. Long, Saunders, St. Louis. P151-169
Lunn, et al. (2009) EHV-1 consensus statement. J Vet Int Med. 23:450-461
About Zoetis
Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products, genetic tests, biodevices and a range of services. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2017, the company generated annual revenue of $5.3 billion with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.
