Equine Herpesvirus-1 Myeloencephalopathy

Abstract

Although equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) is a relatively uncommon manifestation of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) infection, it can cause devastating losses during outbreaks. Antemortem diagnosis of EHM relies mainly on the molecular detection of EHV-1 in nasal secretions and blood. Management of horses affected by EHM is aimed at supportive nursing and nutritional care, at reducing central nervous system inflammation and preventing thromboembolic sequelae. Horses exhibiting sudden and severe neurologic signs consistent with a diagnosis of EHM pose a definite risk to the surrounding horse population. Consequently, early intervention to prevent the spread of infection is required.

Keywords: Cause; Clinical signs; Diagnosis; Epidemiology; Equine herpesvirus (EHV)-1; Equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM); Pathogenesis; Treatment.