July 3, 2003

 

Disease Prompts NDSU Vet to Urge Caution for Horse Owners

With an outbreak of Rhinopneumonitis in horses in Ohio earlier this year and several suspected cases in North Dakota, a North Dakota State University veterinarian is encouraging horse owners to be cautious about bringing their horses into contact with other horses.

"Rhinopneumonitis is relatively uncommon in North Dakota and is more common in areas with a higher density of horses like New York, Ohio or Kentucky," says Charlie Stoltenow of the NDSU Extension Service and the Animal and Range Sciences Department. "But the North Dakota state veterinarian has initial reports of the disease based on veterinarian observations and blood tests."

Although the risk to horses in North Dakota is low, the severity of the disease should cause horse owners to think twice about moving and co-mingling horses. "Transmission of the disease is from horse to horse, so be cautious of horse shows and events," Stoltenow says. "Awareness of this disease and its risks go a long way toward preventing its spread. Also, the occurrence of this disease reinforces the good management practice of isolating sick horses from healthy ones."

Forms of the virus can cause respiratory illness, abortion and neurologic disease. The Ohio outbreak and the suspected cases in North Dakota are the neurologic form of the disease. Affected horses may stumble, appear paralyzed, be unable to rise or be dull. The symptoms are similar to other neurological diseases such as rabies or West Nile.

"With Equine Rhinopneumonitis, as with all neurologic diseases, there is no easy cure. Treatment is supportive and nursing care. The earlier that treatment begins, the better the results," Stoltenow says. "If you see your horse exhibiting any neurological symptoms or acting unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately."

The virus is a form of herpesviruses that are widespread in the horse population. A vaccine is available to control the virus, but the effectiveness is questionable and what protection it provides is short-lived, Stoltenow says.

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Source: Charles Stoltenow, (701) 231-7522, cstolten@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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