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Equine Herpes confirmed in Michigan

horse photo-penn state extension

Two cases of Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) have been confirmed in Michigan, now the sixth state this year to lose horses to the disease. Increased horse movement in the spring means more horses are commingling which Dr. Nancy Frank, Assistant State Veterinarian of Michigan, says can stress the animal, “The horses can be infected with it and not show signs, so in can stay late within horse and if the horse becomes stressed it might then develop disease.”

Equine Herpes Virus can appear in three ways including a respiratory disease usually in young horses, abortions in pregnant mares and a neurological disease which was found in the Michigan horses.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is encouraging horse owners to vaccinate for the disease.  Frank says,  “We do recommend that horse stay on a vaccination protocol according to their veterinarian’s recommendations.”

Frank also says practicing good biosecurity between horses will reduce exposure to the virus.

AUDIO: Interview with Dr. Nancy Frank (3:00 mp3):

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