Equimune Viral Disease Protection

Viral diseases are a common problem when it comes horses. Most commonly these are respiratory tract viruses that can cause severe inflammation and damage to the upper and lower respiratory tracts. However there are many other viral diseases that horses are exposed to and that can cause a wide range of clinical signs and outcomes. At best there may be slight decrease in performance or in more severe cases expensive veterinary treatment or even death.

There are limited treatments available that can be used to prevent or minimize clinical signs of viral disease. One product that may be useful is Equimune® I.V. This is a purified extract of a portion of the cell wall of bacteria which has been processed to reduce any toxic or allergic side effects but which still retains the ability to produce an immune response. Following injection of Equimune® intravenously the hoses body will recognize a foreign protein is present and mounts an immune response, primarily through activation of cytokine interleukin. This immune response is similar to that which would occur following a natural viral or bacterial infection and effectively prepares the immune system for when a real viral infection occurs.

 

The immune response obtained works both by cell mediated immunity and humoral antibody immunity. CMI involves the activation of cells such as macrophages, natural killer cells and T-lymphocytes in the body defense system that directly attack foreign antigens, in particular viruses. The HA response results in production of antibodies which can attach to the virus to assist in its destruction.

 

To minimize the risk of infection is to prevent mosquito bites in horses by applying insect repellants and rugs and keeping the horse indoors as much as possible. It may also be prudent to administer Equimune® I.V. in high risk areas to boost the immune system, which may enhance the ability of the horse to resist infection, by reducing or possibly eliminating the clinical signs and duration of disease. Research data suggests that a single Equimune® I.V. injection provides a stimulated immune response and can be repeated every 3 to 4 weeks safely in horses.

Allivet carries Equimune® I.V. at the lowest prices with the added convenience of having your horse vaccines delivered to your door. Shop Allivet and save more. 

 

HORSE RABIES

Rabies  is a neurological disease of horses. While the incidence of rabies in horses is low, the disease is serious and has considerable public health significance. It is recommended that rabies vaccine be a regular vaccine for all horses.

Exposure occurs through the bite of an infected animal, typically a wildlife source such as raccoon, fox, skunk, or bat. Bites to horses occur most often on the muzzle, face, and lower limbs. The virus migrates via nerves to the brain where it initiates and progresses rapidly.

Fortunately, rabies in horses is relatively rare. Less than 100 cases per year are recorded out of the estimated 7.5 million horses in this country. However, given the seriousness of this disease, and the risk to owners if their horses do become infected, vaccination is often recommended-particularly if a horse spends a considerable amount of time outside and you live in an area with high rabies activity.

Physical signs of rabies can include:

·         Fever

·         Anorexia

·         Blindness

·         Dysphagia

·         Hyperesthesia (manifested as self-mutilation)

·         Muscle Twitching

·         Lameness

·         Paresis and/or ataxia

·         Incontinence

·         Ascending paralysis

·         Sudden death

Equine herpesvirus type 1 and equine herpesvirus type 4 can each infect the respiratory tract, causing disease that usually characterized by fever, lethargy, anorexia, nasal discharge, and cough. Infection of the respiratory tract typically first occurs in foals in the first weeks or months of life, but recurrent or recrudescent clinically apparent infections are seen in weanlings, yearlings, and young horses entering training, especially when horses from different sources are commingled. 

Equine herpesvirus type 1 causes epidemic abortion in mares, the birth of weak nonviable foals, or a sporadic paralytic neurologic disease secondary to vasculitis of the spinal cord and brain. Both EHV-1 and EHV-4 spread via aerosolized secretions from infected coughing horses, by direct and indirect (fomite) contact with nasal secretions, and, in the case of EHV-1, contact with aborted fetuses, fetal fluids, and placentae associated with abortions. Like herpesviruses in other species, these viruses establish latent infection in the majority of horses, which do not show clinical signs but may experience reactivation of infection and shedding of the virus when stressed. Those epidemiologic factors seriously compromise efforts to control these diseases and explain why outbreaks of EHV-1 or EHV-4 can occur in closed populations of horses.

Tetanus Toxoid is used to prevent tetanus, it is a serious illness that causes seizures and severe muscle spasms that can be strong enough to cause bone fractures of the spine. Tetanus causes death in 30 to 40% of cases. Tetanus is a potentially life threatening disease because the bacteria attacks the neural system which can lead to muscle spasms resulting in broken bones or torn muscles. Furthermore, tetanus can lead to airway obstruction, respiratory arrest, heart failure, pneumonia, fractures, and brain damage. Vaccines help to reduce the risk of contracting tetanus which is why it is encouraged to receive the tetanus vaccine and booster shots.

Fluvac innovator 5 vaccine is used for healthy horses to prevent equine encephalomyelitis due to type 1 and 4 viruses, equine influenza due to type A2 viruses and tetanus.

Eastern equineencephalitis virus is commonly called Triple E or, sleepingsicknessn. EEE was first recognized in Massachusetts, USA in 1831 when 75 horses died of the disease.

 The virus is maintained in nature through a bird - mosquito cycle. There are two mosquito species primarily involved in this portion of the cycle. These mosquitoes feed on the blood of birds. The amount of virus found in nature increases throughout the summer as more birds and more mosquitoes become infected.

Nervous signs appear during the fever that include sensitivity to sound, periods of excitement, and restlessness. Brain lesions appear, causing drowsiness, drooping ears, circling, aimless wandering, head pressing, inability to swallow, and abnormal gait. Paralysis follows, causing the horse to have difficulty raising its head. The horse usually suffers complete paralysis and death two to four days after symptoms appear. Mortality rates among horses with the eastern strain range from 70 to 90%. 

The disease can be prevented in horses with the use of vaccinations. These vaccinations are usually given together with vaccinations for other diseases, most commonly WEE, VEE, and tetanus. Most vaccinations for EEE consist of the killed virus.

Fluvac Innovator4 vaccine protects healthy horses from equine encephalomyelitis due to Eastern and Western viruses, equine influenza due to type A2 viruses, and tetanus. This vaccine is adjuvanted with MetaStim for an improved immune response. In some instances, transient local reactions may occur at the injection site. In case of anaphylactoid reaction, administer epinephrine and consult your nearest emergency animal hospital.

HORSE HOOF TOPICALS AND CONDITIONERS

General horse hoof care is vital in the development and activity of your horse. A lot rides on them. From its ability to run, jump, ride trails, participate in competitions and interact with you and other horses. However, several factors can affect your horse’s hoofs considerably. From harsh weather, surrounding environment, riding terrain, horseshoes, nutrition, heredity and turnout frequency all have an overall effect of hoof health. 

Often, hoof care is deemed as a time-consuming burden instead of a necessary part of a horse's daily management. There are a large number of horse owners who believe that hoof care is the sole responsibility of their farrier. But there is more to healthy hooves than trims and shoes. Of course, farriers and veterinarians play an important role in the health of all animals. But along with proper trimming and care from these licensed professionals, several factors come into play on the owners’ part. Proper hoof care is driven by nutrition, environment, wound and injury prevention and care, and cleaning. All of which begins with the owner.

There are several signs that indicate good hoof health and care. Some these signs are:

1. The hoof wall is smooth and uniform
2. Hoof hall is free of cracks, rings, flares, etc.
3. Hoof wall thickness is at least ⅜”
4. Hoof wall taper smoothly towards the heel
5. Rubbery, resilient frog that is twice as long as it is wide
6. Frog does not contain any deep cracks

Eastern equine encephalitis virus

Equine Eastern Encephalitis (EEE) This disease is also known as the sleeping sickness, it is capable of infecting a wide range of animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even humans. This virus is carried on by birds and mosquitoes mainly during the summer. This is a viral disease that is often fatal in horses. This disease occurs in areas and at times where the mosquito population is abundant. Even though outbreaks are generally limited to a certain geographic perimeter due to the pattern of distribution of the vector, horses located in other areas in Florida may be at risk of contracting the disease, due to the current climatic conditions.

 PRESENTATION

Symptoms in horses occur one to three weeks after infection, and begin with a fever that may reach as high as 106 °F (41 °C). The fever usually lasts for 24–48 hours. Nervous signs appear during the fever include sensitivity to sound, periods of excitement, and restlessness. Brain lesions appear, causing drowsiness, drooping ears, circling, aimless wandering, head pressing, inability to swallow, and abnormal gait. Paralysis follows, causing the horse to have difficulty raising its head. The horse usually suffers complete paralysis and death two to four days after symptoms appear. Mortality rates among horses with the eastern strain range from 70 to 90%. In humans, symptoms include high fever, muscle pain, altered mental status, headache, meningeal irritation, photophobia, and seizures, which occur three to 10 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

PREVENTION

How to prevent this disease in horses is by vaccinations most commonly WEE, VEE and the Tetanus. Most of the vaccinations consist of the killed virus. As for Treatment there is NO cure for EEE 75-90% of horses die! And survivors are left with severe sequalae, which is a pathological condition resulting from a disease, injury, or other trauma.

TREATMENT

There is no known treatment for this disease. The only treatments used in horses with neurological signs associated with viral encephalitis are primarily supportive and include anti-inflammatory, anti convulsions, and fluid therapy.

The best way to prevent this horrible disease from attacking our pets is to have them vaccinated with either one of these vaccines EquiloidInnovator, Fluvac Innovator 4, Fluvac Innovator 5, Fluvac Innovator 6, Fluvac Innovator Triple E-FT. Each of these are a little different its always best to speak with the vet before applying any of these vaccines.

Equine Gastric Ulcer

              

  Ulcers may be one of the most common conditions a horse can develop, 60 to 90 percent of show and race horses will develop the illness. And horses with a more nervous disposition are bound to have ulcers compared to a calmer and easy going horse. Because there are various causes to equine gastric ulcers we may want to start to understand a little more of how a horse digestive system may work. We as humans stimulate what is called hydrochloric acid when we eat; this is found in our gastric juices to help aid digestion and protect the stomach against the effects of enzymes and acid. The same production is found in horses but unlike humans they do not just develop hydrochloric acid when they eat, but it is constantly being produced. If a horse does not eat, acid builds up in the stomach which will start to irritate the stomach eventually leading to more serious problems.

                We can start to understand that frequent small meals are required in order to keep the stomach from being empty and causing a less damaging effect on the horses stomach. Such feedings of roughage, the amount and types can also play a role in preventing the increase of stomach acid. The horse’s chewing produces more saliva and by the horse swallowing the saliva helps neutralize stomach acid. Also certain types of medications that may increase the risk of ulcers may be those containing NSAIDS anti-inflammatory or any other medication that may block the production of prostaglandin E2 also known as PgE2 which is a chemical that decreases the acid production therefore when there is a low amount of PgE2 levels in the stomach there is a higher level of acid which lead to ulcers developing.

                You may want to look out for symptoms in order to take the right action towards treating equine gastric ulcers. Symptoms vary between foals and a adult horse. The following symptoms may be a red flag of a problem:

CHANGE IN EATING BEHAVIOR

SENSITIVE AROUND THE STOMACH AREA

CHANGE IN ATTITUDE

COLIC EPISODES

DIARRHEA

TEETH GRINDING

POOR HAIR COAT

EXCESSIVE SALIVATION

Treatment is found to buffer the acid produced, protect the stomach from the effects of acid

and to decrease stomach acid. Decreasing the gastric acid is accomplished with omeprazole a key ingredient found in such prescription medications such as Gastrogard and/or over the counter Ulcergard -administration may be directed by your local vet and you may want to consult with your veterinarian if you suspect your horse may have ulcers.

As noted a horses stomach is very sensitive and if a problem progresses to ulcers medication is available however preventatives such as probiotics would want to be used as part of your horse’s diet. Probiotics are live microorganisms which are considered good bacteria that are beneficial microorganisms found in the stomach, in addition we may give probiotics to help balance the potential hydrogen (PH) in the stomach.

We want to rely on the observation of symptoms to figure out what can be wrong and luckily, there are various supplements for prevention, medications for treatments, and awareness available to help us cure this painful illness developed by equine gastric ulcers.

Liniments & Poultices for Horses

             

   Horses are prone to receive injuries and develop aches and pains over time, especially if they are racing horses. Due to all the stress their bodies are put through during those races like any living being wear and tear to the body and age will most like develop an ache here or there. When it comes to injury a good rule of thumb is cold treatment for fresh trauma and as a preventative therapy after heavy work and heat treatment for arthritis and older, set injuries that are cold to the touch. Liniments are designed to provide temporary relief to minor aches and pains often associated with arthritis and overworked muscles. Poultices usually provide temporary cold therapy for inflamed tissues and are commonly clay based.

Liniments are a common substance used by trainers and owners of horses. They may be applied diluted or full-strength, usually added into a bucket of water when sponged on the body. Liniments are especially useful in hot weather to help a hot horse cool down: the alcohols help the product to quickly evaporate, and the oils they contain cause the capillaries in the skin to dilate, also increasing the cooling process. Liniments should always be applied according to the manufacturer's directions, and diluted as necessary. Many horse owners apply liniments to the legs as a brace, and then wrap over it. In this case, they should be sure that the liniment is not too strong, or it may cause blistering of the skin. Liniments may be used on the legs and body, but should not be applied to more sensitive areas such as the head, genitals or groin of the horse. The body may also be too sensitive to apply liniments if the horse was recently body-clipped.

The following is a list of some of the popular Liniments available in today’s market:

Absorbine Vet Liniment Gel

Absorbine Liniment

DMSO Gel 16oz

Equi-Block DT 16oz

Equi-Block Gel 8oz

Bigeloil

Equi-Block Tightener & Liniment

Therma-flex Liniment Gel with MSM

Therma-flex Liniment Liquid with MSM

Absorbine Vet Liniment Gelseems to be the most effective when it comes to Liniments due to the fact that it combines the same time honored blend of Calendula, Echinacea and Wormwood herbs which all aid in the relief of aching, swelling joints and muscles.

Horse Probiotics

             

   Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that help the digestive system. In normal, healthy situations, the various bacteria in the fermentation vat that is the horse are in an equalized state and exist in harmony. A horse's cecum, the pouch connected to the large intestine, contains beneficial microorganisms that process the food that is consumed. The horse usually receives a resupply of bacteria from its environment through grazing, and so called good and bad bacteria live in balance. Horses under stress, however, are at risk of having and upset balance to their bacteria and are at a greater risk for bacterial toxin related illnesses. This population for microorganisms should remain stable as long as the horse isn’t stressed, not given antibiotics, or does not face any changes in its routine.

                Realistically, there will be times when situations involving stress or change cannot be avoided. If the good and bad bacteria do not remain in balance, the horse may have problems digesting their food or assimilating the nutrients properly. This can result in weight problems, skin and hoof problems, or health problems such as diarrhea. If your horse is not feeling well, this can also affect their behavior and performance. Probiotics are marketed as either pastes or powders and are commonly given to young foals, horses being trailered or in competition, and horses in many other situations.

                There are a variety of horse Probiotics on the market listed below are some examples:

Cellarator Turbo

Cellarator turbo paste is a 3-in-1, fast acting oral paste that combines Cell-rate (an exclusive ingredient to this manufacturer) with Probiotics and electrolytes to enhance performance, prevent dehydration and help combat stressful situations. Each dose contains 5 billion CFU’s (colony forming units), encapsulated microbials to help maintain and increase digestive efficiency and electrolytes with vitamin E to help restore normal body function.

Probios Equine One

Probios Equine One is an oral source of probiotics that contains four species of live, naturally- occurring lactic acid bacteria, including three species of Lactobacillus acidophilus, plantarum, and casei, along with Enterococcus faecium. These ingredients help maintain proper gut flora, improve nutrient absorption, promote the breakdown and assimilation of nutrients, provides enzymes that are necessary for proper digestion, and improves gut absorption.

Micro Balance

Micro Balance paste is a highly concentrated complex of beneficial direct-fed microbial cultures for horses that is formulated in a unique bioenergetics base, for support of normal intestine balance, hydration, and microbial activity in foals and adult horses.

Potomac Fever

              

  Potomachorse fever is a disease best known for its gastrointestinal signs such as enteritis and diarrhea. This disease is caused by Neorickettsia risticii, an organism that lives inside several different cells of the equine body. This disease has been referred to in the past as equine monocytic ehrlichiosis, or equine ehrlichial colitis. Cases of the fever have a seasonal presentation with the highest number of cases with clinical signs in July, August, and September. It is found throughout in North America and has been reported in most regions of the United States and Canada.

                Several studies have been conducted to determine the route of infection and have revealed that a parasite, living in freshwater snails and aquatic insects, is a reservoir for N. risticii. The parasites and N. risticii have been found in adult and immature forms of aquatic insects, such as caddisflies, mayflies, damselflies, dragonflies, and stoneflies. Therefore, the seasonality of PHF is likely related to the seasonality of the flying insect. These types of insects do not feed on warm blooded mammals; so, it is likely that an equid may ingest an aquatic insect or snail while grazing, or consume a flying insect that has landed in drinking water.  It has also been suggested that the insects might be attracted to the barn area by outdoor lights during the night.

The typical clinical signs observed in horses with PHF include:

Fever

Anorexia

Colic

Depression

Ileus

Diarrhea

Laminitis

Several vaccines are commercially available in the United States, but their efficacy is questionable. Currently available vaccines on the market are:

Equine Potomavac

PotomacGuard

West Nile Virus

West Nile virus is a disease spread by mosquito. Mosquitoes carry the highest amounts of virus in the early fall, which is why the rate of the disease increases in late August to early September. The risk of disease decreases as the weather becomes colder and mosquitoes die off.

Infection with West Nile Virus does not always lead to signs of illness in people or animals. Horses appear to be a species that is susceptible to infection with the virus. In horses that do become clinically ill, the virus infects the central nervous system and may cause symptoms of encephalitis. Clinical signs of encephalitis in horses may include a general loss of appetite and depression, in addition to any combination of the following signs:

·         Fever

·         weakness of hind limbs

·         paralysis of hind limbs

·         impaired vision

·         weakness

·          head pressing

·         aimless wandering

·         convulsions (seizures)

·         inability to swallow

·         walking in circles

·         hyperexcitability

·         coma

Vaccines are now available to protect against the West Nile Virus, Eastern, Western and Venezuelan equine encephalitis. Available vaccines on the market are:

·         PreveNile West Nile

·         Recombitek

·         West Nile Innovator

·         West Nile Innovator + EWT

·         West Nile Innovator + VEWT

·         Recombitek rWNV EWT

Why do horses need vitamins?

Vitamins A, D and E are the most common vitamins added to horse diets. Although B complex vitamins may not be commonly supplemented, including them in performance horse diets may be necessary. The natural source of Vitamin A is beta-carotene which occurs in green forages and properly cured hays. As long as the hay source has a green color and is leafy, then it will probably be more than adequate to meet the horse's Vitamin A requirement. 

Vitamin A functions in the maintenance of epithelial integrity, normal bone metabolism and is very important for night vision. Therefore, a deficiency in Vitamin A may result in night blindness, upper respiratory infection, brittle bones and possibly many other deficiencies. One reason to supplement Vitamin A is that horses are not very efficient in converting beta-carotene to active Vitamin A.

Vitamin D is very important in the normal absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus. It also functions in the absorption of several minerals for bone deposition. Vitamin D is converted from precursors through a series of reactions in the skin stimulated by sunlight. Rickets in young horses and osteomalacia in older horses are the two most common symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency. Giving large doses of Vitamin D should be avoided as toxicity may occur resulting in calcification of soft tissue. Natural sources of Vitamin D occur in sun-cured hay and cod liver oil.

Horses need long stem roughage in their diet for normal digestive function. Horses fed hay or those on pasture are more able to maintain gastro-intestinal tract normalcy, experience less colic and are less prone to developing annoying stable vices when compared to horses not receiving a long stem roughage source.

In our website you can find several injectable vitamins for horses like the B12 and Liver 7 which has vitamin D and also vitamin C. Remember that horses are individuals and should be managed as such. By knowing the nutrients they need and their function.

UPPER RESPIRATORY DISEASE

UPPER RESPIRATORY DISEASE

Fall and winter are prime seasons for upper respiratory infections in horses. 

Runny nose, cough, fever, listless, or depressed behavior…if your horse is showing these signs, there’s a good chance he has an upper respiratory infection. Fall, winter, and spring are prime time for diseases of the respiratory tract, and are often caused by one or more of four common pathogens.

An upper respiratory infection is caused by various bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Various bacteria can infect the upper parts of the respiratory system and often cause pneumonia and weaken the immune system. One of the most common bacterial respiratory tract infections is known as strangles. Viruses such as the Equine influenza virus and the Equine Herpes virus (type 1 and 1V), which are similar to colds and flu in humans, are the primary cause of upper respiratory infections. Although fungal infections of the respiratory system are not as common as bacterial or viral, they may also develop. The lungs and guttural pouches are often more susceptible to fungal infections. When a parasitic infection invades the respiratory system, roundworms, threadworms or lungworms travel through the lungs and weaken the immune systems of young and aging horses.

Researchers have focused on four pathogens (disease-causing agents) that cause upper-respiratory infections in horses—Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, the bacteria that cause Strangles; Equine Influenza Virus (EIV); and Equine Herpesvirus types 1 and 4 (EHV-1 and EHV-4).

• Samples tested positive for one or more of the four pathogens in 201 cases, about 26 percent of the total. Fifteen of these horses were positive for two pathogens, and one had a triple infection.
• The highest detection rate was for EHV-4, which turned up in 82 cases. Infections with this virus (which can also cause pregnant mares to abort) were most common in fall and winter.
• Next most common was EIV, with 60 cases. It occurred mainly in winter and spring.
• S. equi, also most frequent in winter and spring, showed up in 49 cases. It was common in horses ages 6 to 10, while EHV-4 and EIV infections were more common in 1- to 5-year-olds.
• EHV-1, which can cause neurological disease as well as upper-respiratory infection and abortion, ranked last, with 23 cases. It was generally seen in older horses and, like the other infections, was less common in summer.

Save on Zylexis at Allivet.com

Zylexis is an inactivated (killed) Parapox Ovis Virus Immunomodulator. Aids in the reduction of upper respiratory disease associated with equine herpesvirus types 1 and 4. Demonstrated safety: none of the 333 Zylexis treated horses had visible or palpable reactions at the injection site or systemic reactions. Zylexis is indicated for use in healthy horses over 4 months of age. Treatment is recommended during disease episodes or prior to stress-inducing situations. Retreatment is recommended during subsequent disease episodes or prior to stress-inducing situations. EHV 1 and 4 infections can be easily triggered by common stressors to horses including trailering, competition, breeding and environmental changes.

Directions: Aseptically rehydrate the freeze-dried component with the sterile diluent provided, shake well and administer 2mL intramuscularly. Repeat the 2mL dose on days 2 and 9 following the initial dose.

Horses with respiratory illness should be examined by a veterinarian and should be kept away from healthy horses. To avoid exposing other horses to disease, owners should care for the sick horses after caring for healthy animals, and should not use the same buckets, tack, and grooming supplies for sick and well horses. Those coming in contact with a sick horse should wash their hands, and equipment should be disinfected before it is used on other horses.

Equine Respiratory Disease Complex

EqStim is used in the treatment of Equine Respiratory Disease Complex. Respiratory disease is most commonly caused by Equine Herpes Virus (EVH-1 and EVH-4). These viruses cause an upper respiratory tract infection in susceptible horses, causing disease that is very similar to a head cold or the flu in people.Horses usually breathe in sneezed droplets from another infected horse; this is one way your horse can become infected. They can also become infected through contact with contaminated dust or feed. Once infected, the virus has an incubation period of 3-4 days. Infected horses usually carry the virus for around 7 days, though it can persist in nasal secretions for up to 20 days.

Common causes of ERDC include: 

Equine Herpes Virus    
Equine Influenza Virus        
Equine Arteritis Virus     
Equine Adenovirus

   
Common secondary bacterial infections such as: 

Streptococcus Zooepidemicus
Strangles
Rattles

While several viruses have been identified as causes of equine respiratory disease complex, the clinical signs and consequences are similar:

cough     
fever

nasal discharge

enlarged lymph nodes

loss of appetite

lethargy

slow recovery from exertion
missed training

If neglected, ERDC can escalate into secondary bacterial lung infections that may result in chronic problems and permanent damage to the horse’s respiratory tract.

Unlike antibiotics and vaccines, which target specific bacteria or viruses, an immune stimulant activates a non-specific immune response to target many agents that a horse’s immune system may recognize as a threat. Because of this rapid and general response, immunotherapy is a valuable addition to standard treatments for both bacterial and viral ERDC organisms. The use of an immune stimulant, either as a preventative or before an infection becomes fully established, can reduce the severity of clinical illness, the likelihood of tissue damage, and the spread of disease, which ultimately shortens the horse’s recovery time. Immune stimulation is safe to use in adult horses, ponies, and foals. Avoid immune stimulants containing an oil base as this may cause serious adverse reactions

in susceptible horses. 

Arvac

Equine Arteritis

What is the Equine Arteritis Virus?

                Equine viral arteritis (EVA) is a contagious disease of horses caused by equine arteritis virus (EAV), an RNA virus that is found in horse populations in many countries. While typically not life-threatening to otherwise healthy adult horses, EAV can cause abortion in pregnant mares; uncommonly, death in young foals; and establish a long-term carrier state in breeding stallions. While various horse breeds appear equally susceptible to EAV, the prevalence of infection can vary widely, with higher sero-positivity rates occurring in Standardbreds and Warmbloods.

Clinical signs, if they occur, typically develop 3 to 7 days post-infection and are variable but may include any combination or all of the following:

• Fever
• Depression
• Anorexia
• Dependent edema
• Localized or generalized urticaria
• Supra or periorbital edema
• Conjunctivitis
• Lacrimal discharge
• Serous to mucoid nasal discharge

Abortion is a frequent sequel to infection in the unprotected, pregnant mare. When pregnant mares are exposed to the virus very close to term, they may not abort but give birth to a congenitally infected foal, affected with a rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia. Foals within a few months of age, if exposed to EAV can develop a life-threatening pneumonia or pneumoenteritis.

How it’s spread

Much like a human would contract a respiratory virus infection, like a cold or flu, horses can contract EAV infection from acutely affected horses. In addition, stallions can shed the virus in their semen. The respiratory route is the primary means whereby the virus is spread during outbreaks of EVA at racetracks, horse shows, sales and veterinary clinics. Venereal transmission, in contrast, has frequently been associated with the primary spread of EAV on breeding farms. As a result, every precaution should be taken with EAV positive semen to ensure that outbreaks do not occur.

Protect your Horse from Equine Arteritis Virus

It should be emphasized that EVA is a very manageable disease. Vaccination against the disease is a first line of defense, particularly of colts between the ages of six and nine months in breeds in which EAV is endemic, e.g. the Standardbred. ARVAC is a vaccination for healthy non-stressed adult horses as an aid in the prevention of viral abortion and respiratory infection due to equine arteritis virus. It is a desiccated preparation containing viable modified Equine Arteritis virus.  The vaccine virus has been modified to the extent that it may be irregularly infective when given by natural portraits of entry. A high degree of safety has been demonstrated for horses of any age and pregnant mares. By vaccinating in a number of years, this will significantly reduce the number of carrier stallions. Testing of all breeding stallions and identification of carrier animals among those testing sero-positive is critical. Carrier stallions should be managed properly and used only for breeding with mares which are also positive for antibodies as a result of previous natural infection or from vaccination. It is also important to note that not all positive stallions are shedders and carriers of EVA. Stallions vaccinated against EVA have never been shown to become carriers of the virus as a result of vaccination. There is a very real risk of introducing the virus into a susceptible horse population through the use of infected fresh-cooled or frozen semen. If vaccinated mares are bred with EAV infective semen, they should be isolated from other sero-negative mares and unvaccinated horses for an additional three-week period to minimize the risk of the transmitting the virus.

Why use ARVAC

                ARVAC is one of the only vaccines available to prevent Equine Viral Arteritis. It should be used to help prevent any carrier stallions, this way it is not passed down the bloodline. Also, it is strongly recommended that mares be vaccinated against EVA at least three weeks before insemination. The reasons for this are twofold: first, vaccinated animals need to be provided with adequate opportunity to mount an immune response to the virus; second, first-time vaccinated animals may shed small amounts of vaccine virus for a short interval after vaccination, during which time they should be isolated from other horses negative for antibodies to the virus. This vaccine has been tested and shown to be satisfactory for marketing in accordance with procedures required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.