Case of Neurologic Equine Herpesvirus Found in Saskatchewan

The Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System (CAHSS) has reported a case of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), which is the neurologic form of the Equine Herpesvirus, in Saskatchewan. Following are the details:

Disease: Equine Herpesvirus (neurologic)
Date: June 29, 2018
Location: Saskatchewan
Status: Ongoing
Breed: QH
Sex: Gelding
Age: 19 years
Vaccination history: Unvaccinated

The gelding presented with hind end ataxia of five days duration, and showed no improvement with anti-inflammatory treatment over two days. A high antibody titre was discovered, as per EHV1/4 ELISA, negative PCR.

The six other horses on premises all tested negative on PCR. None of the horses have been moved off the premises since the diagnosis was made; however, the positive horse was present at a roping/rodeo event in Alberta just prior to diagnosis. The exact event is unknown (according to this website, possible events include: Wainwright Stampede, Guy Weadick Days (High River), and Sundre Pro Rodeo).

For more information, contact Wendy Wilkins, DVM PhD Ph: 306-798-0253

Additional information can be found at Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System.

More from Horse-Canada:

B.C. Wild Horses Featured in The Wild Ones T.V. Series

A series on the History channel, called The Wild Ones, features the Qayus, a breed of wild horse in B.C., and the Xeni Gwet’in people who watch over them.

Horse Canada Magazine Goes Digital Only in 2020

With the start of the new decade, Horse Canada is evolving to better meet our readers’ needs, with more modern and timely digital delivery.

The Role of Tradition vs Science in Handling Horses

A group of researchers from Australia recently conducted a study to investigate human interactions with horses, looking at tradition vs science.

The Annual Gobi Desert Cup Kicks Off Next Week

The annual Gobi Desert Cup will be held from August 28 to September 6. Find out which riders from around the world are set take on the challenge.