Virus strikes hard against the already vulnerable equestrian

"Virus strikes hard against the already vulnerable equestrian"

"First came the issue of feed shortage after the summer drought, which hit hard economically against the Swedish riding schools. Now forced many stall to isolate itself because of the infectious hästviruset EHV-1."

"it– It's very serious," says Eva Netterberg, chairman of the Ridskolornas association, to TT."

"Sweden is not alone in having been affected by EHV-1, which is also in a serious neurological form. Together they are also called abortvirus because they can lead to return, then a miscarriage, and that the horse dies. The virus has also increased significantly in both Europe and north America in recent years, according to the national veterinary institute (SVA)."

"– There is no vaccine or cure for abortviruset, so it is very serious, the horses may die. It is also a very unpleasant disease of the nervous system which can make the horses paralyzed, " says Eva Netterberg."

"The only häststallarna can do is to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Many stables and riding schools have been closed or isolated themselves to stop the spread, " she points out."

"– In Stockholmsdistriktet has called off all events in order to limit the contact between the horses and it is quite clear that in the future we need to see infectious disease control, hygiene, and how we travel with our horses. People who move between various stall can also be disease carriers."

"the world of horses-during the winter has already been severely tested by sharply rising feed prices following the drought in the summer."

" the Industry has been hit hard economically. According to the reports I get is the feed, but it needs to be supplemented with straw, and it is also difficult to get hold of. But the biggest threat is the prices. Many riding schools have it right now very tough economically."

"EHV-1 or abortvirus can cause upper respiratory infection, abortion or neurological disease. The virus produces flu-like symptoms, which can be very mild but also a high fever, näsflöde and cough. Swollen legs are common. Mares that are pregnant can have a miscarriage, it usually takes place in the latter part of the pregnancy."

"EHV-1 can also cause neurological symptoms that occurs usually 4-8 days after a febertopp. The symptoms can be mild but also serious with the wobbly gait, and paralysis with a fatal outcome."

"the Infection is primarily airborne. Vaccine that protects against abortvarianten of the virus exists, but there is no registered vaccine against the neurological variant."