Jan.31 2008: Herpes again?! And other things….

After last year’s trouble with Equine herpes virus (EHV-1) in both Florida and California, things have been relatively quiet. This is not to infer the disease has gone away. About 2 weeks ago we had a 2 year old racehorse at San Luis Rey Downs in Bonsall show neurological signs and actually fall over in the shedrow. The horse was treated and sent to the clinic. Tests were run and the horse was positive for EHV-1. It has made steady progress and is doing much better at this time. Further testing was done on 15 horses in the neighboring stalls and all tested negative. The strain of EHV-1 isolated from the affected horse was determined not to be the neuropathic strain we have previously dealt with at the racetracks here in California. For this reason, the California Horse Racing Board did not place any quarantine restrictions though we did institute biosecurity measures in the trainer’s barn. This disease is always present as a potential infection and adequate vaccination protocols should be followed for all horses.

Speaking of dreaded infections – both the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the CDC have put out statements warning horse owners to be wary of the Super bug or MRSA – methicillin resistant Staph. aureus. Apparently, they feel there is risk from infection since the horse harbors this organism in its nasal passages, skin and intestines. If you think about all the contact you have with touching horses, snotty noses and manure, the potential for infection is realistic. The best method to prevent infection is to wash your hands thoroughly after being around the barn. Oddly, another report came out last week apparently labeling gay men as being at a higher risk to this infection – uh….I am not about to explain that one to you, you are on your own. Seriously though, this is a very scary situation as many deaths have been attributed to this bacterial infection across the US and Canada. Two recent reports of infection in San Diego County have caused alarm. An older man has been infected and at last word was recovering, but sadly a young boy has died from the infection. Do not take it lightly.

Until next time, be safe and wash your hands!

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