Mon, Apr 3rd, 2023 - 9:43am
April 25, 2023 - 2:40pm | By Ty Schonert
(McHenry, ND) -- Two horses are quarantined following confirmed cases of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in McHenry County.
The cases were confirmed on April 21st by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, with them going on to say no other properties or horses have been identified as exposed at this time. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division is working with the owner and a local veterinarian to assist with the treatment of EHM in the horses.
“With summer coming, many horses will be moving to events around the region,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “Care should be taken to reduce exposure to other horses and one should never bring a sick horse to an event.”
The most common form of EHM can cause respiratory disease, abortion, and neonatal death. The disease can be spread through the air, or through contaminated equipment, clothing, or hands. Experts recommend taking several precautions to avoid spreading the disease; this includes reducing shared foods, water containers, and preventing nose-to-nose contact. Vaccines for EHM are available for both respiratory and reproductive forms of the common variant.
“Work with your local veterinarian to set up effective vaccination programs,” said North Daktoa State Veterinarian Dr. Andress, “Vaccination is no substitute for biosecurity, but can help reduce disease signs and fatalities when an exposure does occur.”
Experts say the disease is highly contagious and infectious among horses, but say the common variant is not a threat to human health.
