Equine Herpes Virus outbreak confined to two farms

Dr Ann Cullinane, head of virology with the Irish Equine Centre, said on Thursday that the outbreak of the EHV-1 virus – commonly known as equine herpes – in Ireland has so far been confined to two farms, one in the Leinster region and the other in Munster.

Giving an update on the news that had broken on Wednesday, she said: “The bottom line is that the outbreak of neurological disease found on the two farms has been confined to the two premises involved.

“There are four cases at a thoroughbred stud farm in Leinster and two cases at a farm catering for sport horses and thoroughbreds in Munster.

“The owners of the two farms have complied willingly with the code of practice involved. All systems are in place to manage the situation.

“There is a voluntary movement restriction in place and there is ongoing screening and laboratory testing taking place on the horses at both farms to ascertain what stage the outbreak is at and to gauge what extent, if any, it has spread on the farms involved.”

The EHV Virus, known as Equine Herpes Virus, is a family of viruses found throughout the world. There are four EHV-1 categories – respiratory diseases, abortion, neonatal death and neurological.

Cullinane added: “We’ve had very few instances of neurological disease in Ireland over the past 20 years and no other instances have been confirmed on any other premises this year.

“Neither has there been any significant increase in respiratory disease or abortion this year.”

Horse owners are advised to check their stock and to contact a veterinary surgeon if spotting any possible symptoms.

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