ABSTRACT: Equine herpes virus (EHV) is highly contagious and poses a significant risk to the horse population worldwide, in particular pregnant mares. Abortion can occur from as early as the fourth month of gestation and the virus can also cause respiratory disease in foals, weanlings and older horses. This article outlines the clinical signs, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and management with an emphasis on controlling an outbreak within a clinical environment. Strict biosecurity protocols combined with excellent nursing care are key when dealing with this virus.

Author

Katherine King BSc(Hons) REVN

Katherine completed a BSc(Hons) in Equine Science at Hartpury College in 2003 and in the same year started working as a Vet Nurse in a mixed practice in Gloucestershire. In 2004, Katherine embarked on her career as an Equine Vet Nurse at Liphook Equine Hospital and gained the EVN qualification in 2008, followed by progressing to Head Nurse in 2010. Katherine is currently employed as a Lecturer in Vet Nursing and Animal Management at Sparsholt College, Winchester and her main interests include all aspects ofVet Nurse training, theatre nursing and diagnostic imaging. Email: katherine.king@sparsholt.ac.uk

Keywords: virus; abortion; respiratory disease; neurological disease; biosecurity; treatment; vaccination

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 33 (03) • March 2018 pp79-82

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