ALBURGH, Vt. (WCAX) – Horse racing season is approaching, and experts say owners should be very careful about maintaining their health. That’s because an animal in Alburgh is sick with a contagious virus, which is known to cause outbreaks.
This equine herpes. Vermont State Veterinarian Kristin Haas says most horses will contract the virus at some point in their lives, with respiratory symptoms, but this neurological presentation is much more unusual. It is sometimes called equine herpesvirus (EHM) myeloencephalopathy. Haas insists on always quarantining horses for a few weeks before attending events where spread is likely.
When horses are away from home, Haas suggests keeping animals at a safe distance, just as humans have practiced for the past year.
“The most common way of spreading this disease is through horse-to-horse contact, but it can also be transported from one horse to another by dowel, buckets, wheelbarrows, supplies, people’s bodies and shoes and things like that,” A said Haas.
The virus cannot be transmitted to humans. The infected horse in Alburgh is currently in quarantine. If your horse has a fever or other neurological symptoms, such as standing problems, call a veterinarian immediately.
For more information on this virus visit here.
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