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| Discussion on WELLINGTON FLORIDA QUARANTINED FOR HERPES VIRUS OUTBREAK | |
| Author | Message |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Saturday, Dec 16, 2006 - 8:58 pm: I searched this site for Equine Herpes Virus, because today my little neighborhood came under quarantine (did I spell that right?) , imposed by our home owners' association. There are giant signs as you pass in and out of the main gate that forbid trail riding, and taking horses in or out of the community. So we are all required to keep our horses on our own properties. This is a BIG DEAL here, as Wellington is the home of the National Horse Show and a lot of equine activities have been cancelled for the week. I am late in finding out- everyone seems to have known for several days that a few horses have died of equine herpes virus in Wellington, and that particular barn has been ordered under strict quarantine by the Florida Dept. of Agriculture (I think that was the dept.) So I am not quite sure how alarmed to be- I have told my trainer that since we are under quarantine, training is off for now. His barn is right in the middle of all the panic- so I am sort of glad for our quarantine- it was a good move on the HOA's part. But I am curious to know if all the hysteria is warranted, or if on the other hand I should be doing more. Like for example, I am going to another county to buy hay as I do not want people who just delivered to a barn in Wellington traipsing all over my barn just afterward. Does anyone know more about what is going on? I am a little freaked out- I have never seen anything like this. there are people living in my community who make their living in horses, and take them back and forth daily, so this is huge. Any info would be much appreciated- the newspapers had very little. -Beth |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Saturday, Dec 16, 2006 - 9:02 pm: Here is the latest article from the Palm Beach (Florida) Post, from this Sat. night Dec 16:https://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2006/12/16/s1a_ HORSE_1216.html |
| Moderator: DrO |
Posted on Sunday, Dec 17, 2006 - 9:08 am: Hello Beth,I am sorry to hear about your plight. You will find a article on EHV-1 neurological form at Diseases of Horses » Nervous System » Incoordination, Weakness, Spasticity, Tremors » Equine Herpes Encephalopathy. Last week I ran across a more promising treatment than acyclovir which is currently in the article and I will edit it later today when I get in the office. DrO |
| Member: Vickiann |
Posted on Sunday, Dec 17, 2006 - 12:23 pm: Much information that conflicts is flying around the central part of Florida where I live -- newspapers saying one thing (quarantine by state) and the State of Florida site saying another. One wonders what is true and up-to-date. https://www.doacs.state.fl.us/ai/Announcements/20061216EquineVirus1.shtml |
| Member: Sjeys |
Posted on Sunday, Dec 17, 2006 - 12:50 pm: If you give the Rhino vaccine, shouldn't your horse be immune to this? |
| Member: Ryle |
Posted on Sunday, Dec 17, 2006 - 1:25 pm: No, there is no vaccine that is currently proven to prevent the neurological disease caused by EHV-1. Also, vaccines do not provide 100% protection from the diseases that they are labelled for so even if it did protect against the neurological form quarantine would still be recommended due to the rapid spread and high incidence of disease post exposure and sometimes high incidence of death from this disease. |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Sunday, Dec 17, 2006 - 1:26 pm: I gave 5 ways in November along with west nile. I do not know whether rhino was included in the 5 way- I have an email out to my vets, who are extremely busy at the moment so my inquiry is not a rush issue. I have seen conflicting info on what is in the 5 way....so I need to wait until they can pull out my records. I am not really educated as to what is in those vaccines (I should be!) and since I consider my horses "low risk" will generally opt to not vaccinate. For example I did not vaccinate for strangles. Ah, things are so different from when I was a kid! I never heard of stuff like this happening. Maybe it's not so great to live in such close proximity to so many other horses- especially the transient ones. |
| Member: Jockyrdg |
Posted on Sunday, Dec 17, 2006 - 1:48 pm: Beth, your vet bill may list the actual vaccines in the 5-way. Jan. 2005 Cornell made mention that they were seeing a greater instance of the neurological form of EHV, so it's been building for a while. Quarantine did not catch it because it is not a guardian to keep all disease out, only diseases which are not native to the states. They are also more concerned with disease which would affect the breeding industry. EHV in its many forms has been here for awhile. Currently they are stating they traced it back to a shipment of 15 horses from Europe. Several went to the West Coast and are showing neurological signs, 3 of the group that landed in FL are exhibiting signs and they are trying to track down where the remainder of this import group is. They were imported Nov 29. Cosequin CEO, the FEI horse which died was stabled next to one of the imports. There have been several outbreaks of the neurological form this year Monmouth Race Track in NJ in the fall and CSU just reopened from a 21 day quarantine for the same. We all take the concept of quarantining a new horse lightly, this is a good example of the wisdom of that practice. |
| Member: Eoeo |
Posted on Sunday, Dec 17, 2006 - 1:52 pm: If you gave the 5 way vaccine from Ft. Dodge it has rhinopneumonitis-Influenza-Encephalomyelitis (Eastern & Western) and Tetanus. If there is no proven vaccine that will protect against the neurological type of EHV-1 then you can't do much about it anyway. All you can do is have your horses in as good of health through good food, fresh water pray. A healthy horse can fight off a lot of things. It is when their immune system is down because of stress that they get sick. Hoping for the best for you. EO |
| Member: Jojo15 |
Posted on Sunday, Dec 17, 2006 - 7:10 pm: Beth, as i live in lox... i usually spend my sunday afternoons driving around the wellington farms leisurely and looking at all the homes barns etc.... I stopped doing that last week wwhen i heard... I would indeed stay put. and i would wash before and after you go into red barn or country supply as well as hose down your vehicle tires. You can never be too safe. You can transport it. you can't catch it though. but bring it back to your animals. i just went to red barn the other day... i hope it wasn't a stupid move on my part...As for the quarentine i think that the horses have been diagnosed just now but it was over 3 weeks ago they came in from maryland. and brought it with them. Palm beach equine is the one who is being quoted in the paper. Might want to call them. yet i wonder if they have any "answers" not to set off a panic. I think the HOA was very smart in their management, but not panicky. the only thing i don't know is how airborne it could go. So if the farm next to you has it, will yours get it, and so on... |
| Member: Jojo15 |
Posted on Sunday, Dec 17, 2006 - 7:25 pm: https://www.phelpssports.com/video of the press conferrence https://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=8441&dpt=5 good article on what is now happening.. said the roads that were quarentined... |
| Moderator: DrO |
Posted on Sunday, Dec 17, 2006 - 7:33 pm: Well I did not get to the office to get that article updated but we discuss relative vaccine efficacy against this disease in the article. There are vaccines whose early testing suggest greater efficacy against this problem.DrO |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - 10:35 am: Hey Jojo, Dr. O and everyone, still have not heard back fom my vets as predicted, I guess they have their hands full. Everyone in my community is freaked out- we can't ride the trails at all. So the horses are getting a break. I am pretty worried- it really makes you realize how much you love your animals and how much a part of the family they each are.If I lost even one to this disease (and it sounds like a very bad one)......I am sort of pissed off that all these animals are coming in from Europe (as if we don't have the bast horses in the world right here) and competing right away. They don't seem to have to quarantine them. I remember before hurricane Francis a neighbor had to pick up a horse recently imported from Germany (the day before)- they said just take it, they couldn't guarantee its safety because of the hurricane. So much for quarantining! Now that there are these disgusting, permanent, deadly viruses that are spread by air, WHY AREN'T PROFESSIONAL SHOW JUMPERS FORCED TO QUARANTINE? It doesn't seem like they are- they compete in Europe and it seems the next week they are in Wellington.They are bringing potentially industry- stopping epidemics to all of us.I don't know- I never even heard of this disease as a kid- my horse never got sick, I think the only vaccine given was rabies! We got a coggins, that was it. Never thought of other horses as potential vectors... Dr. O, is this a new thing? Are there more deadly diseases going around these days? in light of that, you'd think the USDA would at the very least quarantine the horses that arrived Nov. 29 from Europe. This thing started early last week. Those horses never were quarantined because Nov. 29 was what, a week before all this started? And already they were at the showgrounds in Wellington? I guess money talks. Sorry but I am really pissed.How come when I wanted to take a dog home from the middle east 10 years ago I was told there was like a 6 month quarantine????? On a dog.} -Beth Gordon |
| Moderator: DrO |
Posted on Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - 11:01 am: Hello All,I have put the newly edited article on EHV-1 myelitis. It contains much new information on treatment and transmission. Herpes myelitis has been around a long time but there is a feeling the incidence is growing. DrO |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - 11:44 am: Sorry for the tone of my last post....I just think if this thing has up to a ten day incubation period, then the quarantine should exceed that. Period. And it didn't. Still doesn't. Gosh, they tested human immigrants for pink eye at Ellis Island, and that wasn't an uniquely European disease either!Jojo-stay out of Wellington. I am going to Broward for hay, because I am afraid I will track in germs. Not that everyone doesn't have the same idea, LOL! A ranch an hour from everything adjacent to BLM land is looking very good right now.... |
| New Member: Upzoo |
Posted on Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - 11:50 am: Dr. O - How do I find the article? It isn't coming up on search.Our trainer is at wit's end because she was planning to head down to Wellington today and the four horses she trains were scheduled to ship there on Wednesday. Now what?! |
| Member: Mrose |
Posted on Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - 12:05 pm: There is an article in the magazine version of "TheHorse" that addresses this disease, also one addressing where it is more prevalent now. Same article is probably on https://www.thehorse.com also |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - 1:39 pm: Joy, tell your trainer to skip Wellington for now, the newest measure is that they are pretty much closing the horse trail that goes through Wellington. If those horses come back with the virus then it will be all over your town, potentially. Wellington is the WORST place for this to happen, in terms of the virus being able to spread all over the country with show horses. Here is the latest from the Palm Beach post:https://www.palmbeachpost.com/pbcwest/content/local_news/epaper/2006/12/18/1218ho rse.html |
| Member: Jojo15 |
Posted on Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - 7:03 pm: For those that haven't been here... wellington is what i would call jaw DrOpping magnificent barns, but yet such close proximity to each other..Not like ocala where some might have 100 acres... Most are five acres. some more. Most have barns like you see houses in architectural digest... literally amazing. but you can still hear your neighbor in the mornings...and the barns sit right on top of each other.The polo season is about to start, and they are ALLLL here. This is not even the jumpers and hunter barns...what an amazing site to watch one jockey pony 15 horses to get them excercised.. and thats just one group on the track there might be more groups. Some of these small acres can house 50 or more horses... have their own polo fields, etc. i've driven by farms that had no less than a hundred horses being excercised and right next door it starts all over again. another 50 stall barn, and so on... less than 25 acres could house thousands of horses... Its just again, jaw DrOpping to think that this could happen here. Yet, how could it not...Yet, if it does spread? it will like wildfire. I of course live 15 miles away in the poor section... grin. but still frequent the same feed barns.. and periodically gawk at the barns out that way... Beth i'm not sure going to broward is going to help you, except for piece of mind. I think YOU going to pick up the feed and hay is good. and not have it delivered is the goal. (i'm calling RB and see what the situation is with them)... You know that there is a feed store in Jupiter on Jupiter Farms road... much closer than broward. they also have a quarantine area setup from pierson road and 160th areas... are you in that block or outside it? |
| Moderator: DrO |
Posted on Monday, Dec 18, 2006 - 11:05 pm: Joy, its location is outlined in my first post above.DrO |
| Moderator: DrO |
Posted on Tuesday, Dec 19, 2006 - 11:52 am: This remains the most current information I can find on the Florida State Animal Health Site (it is the information at the URL as posted by Vicki above, thanks Vicki.) :Equine Herpesvirus type1 Status – Florida Five cases of Equine Herpesvirus – type 1 (EHV-1) have been confirmed with laboratory testing from horses on a quarantined premises in the Wellington, Florida area. Four additional premises have movement restrictions in place pending further laboratory testing. Three deaths and 15 clinical cases have been attributed to this disease. Six cases have had neurological signs. The index or first case reported was a horse imported from Europe though the USDA New York Animal Import Center. Animals on suspected or affected premises are being monitored for fever and other clinical signs on a daily basis and laboratory work is pending on additional cases. State and Federal officials are working closely with veterinarians, owners, managers, and others in the affected equine industry to identify potentially exposed animals and suspect cases and to prevent further spread of the disease. With the exception of the affected premises, there are no state or federal restrictions for horse movements into, within, or out of state of Florida. Industry representatives and state and federal officials have agreed on a number of steps to contain this outbreak. These include the identification of potentially exposed animals with appropriate monitoring and biosecurity measures taken, isolation and treatment of suspected cases, and coordination of control efforts by industry and state and federal representatives. The close working relationship between cooperators, stakeholders, and the public is key to limiting the spread of this disease. Although EHV-1 can be a serious disease of horses and the virus can spread through the air for respiratory infection, transmission generally requires direct or close contact between horses. Horses with clinical signs should be isolated and kept 40 feet or more from other horses. Owners with sick horses should contact their private veterinarian to examine and treat their horses. Veterinarians suspecting EHV-1 with neurological signs are advised to contact state officials and follow protocols for collecting and submitting appropriate samples for laboratory diagnosis. Vaccines are available and concerned owners should discuss whether vaccination of their animals is recommended, the type of vaccines available, and the frequency of recommended vaccination with their veterinarian. Vaccination in the face of an outbreak will probably not prevent infection but may lessen respiratory signs and reduce viral shedding with future exposure. https://www.doacs.state.fl.us/ai/index.shtml |
| Member: Jojo15 |
Posted on Tuesday, Dec 19, 2006 - 10:59 pm: Scratch going to jupiter... beth... a horse confirmed sick there too.. and the horse never left the property. It must have come in via/ vet/farrier/feed deliver/or owners...Now i'm a tad nervous about all this. I figured i lived far enough away from wellington not to be in the middle of it.. And a horse in Ocala came up sick too. it was down here in wellington on the 2nd of december... |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Tuesday, Dec 19, 2006 - 11:29 pm: Jojo- I am just this side of in a panic. My trainer said that there was a horse in Jupiter, but he wasn't sure if it was confirmed. This thing is spreading- I am glad at least that the professional horse people here are prevented from putting our horses at risk by continuing to show. They would if they could, I know it. They can't get their trailers out of the gate, so at least that! But my neighbor is a farrier. We are separated by a canal. And he's not my farrier. I have 3.5 weeks to think of the farrier issue, if a horse doesn't throw a shoe. What to do if that happens? I am convinced that in the past my farrier has brought my horses something, because a few days after shoeing all were sneezing. This was years before the PLAGUE descended on Wellington however.People laughed at me when I cancelled the feed delivery....my husband is stacking those 130 lb. bales right now himself. Got them 40 miles away.But soon I will run out of Legend- very hard to find outside Wellington. I will have to search the net, and fill that gas tank. I do not want to go to Pierson Rd. for feed. My vet finally emailed-she has been pretty busy. I gave 5 ways containing vaccine for EHV 1 and 4 on Oct. 7th. This made me feel better until the vet said that they could still contract this thing. It may have mutated or the vaccine is not 100%. This is turning out worse than I thought.... Dr. O, what do you think of that horse in Jupiter Florida, that hadn't left its farm? It is making me very nervous.So much for low risk. -Beth |
| Member: Jojo15 |
Posted on Wednesday, Dec 20, 2006 - 12:20 am: don't panic yet. I have only one article that mentions the jupiter horse. Need more confirmation than that... still scary though.I went into wellington more this month than i have in the last year... There is a meeting town hall kind of thing in Ocala tomorrow with dr. Maureen Long aT the oBS if anyone lives that way.... its at 3 pm.. |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Wednesday, Dec 20, 2006 - 5:34 am: I am up for an early business trip and checked out the latest bad news in the Palm Beach Post. It is in today's paper- here is a bit of it...."Horse virus incidents growing By Kelly Wolfe Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Wednesday, December 20, 2006 A second Wellington barn is on state-mandated quarantine today after lab tests confirmed a horse housed there has the contagious, air-borne equine herpes virus. The Florida Department of Agriculture said a second horse at the Palm Beach Equine Sports Complex is suspected of having the virus - but tests are still pending. The complex is part of the Southfields Training facility, which placed itself on a voluntary quarantine last week. A horse died there Dec. 2. State veterinarians also confirmed the virus spread Tuesday to Ocala, where a racehorse infected with equine herpes was on lockdown. The racehorse had been at Calder Race Course in Miami Gardens when it became ill. It was treated at Palm Beach Equine Clinic, where veterinarians believe it contracted the virus...." Palm Beach Equine is my vet clinic. Guess no more visits for a while. -Beth |
| Moderator: DrO |
Posted on Wednesday, Dec 20, 2006 - 6:42 am: Though I hesitate to put out unconfirmed information there have been few updates to the FL animal health site and this seems relevant. I would take this as heresay at this time until confirmed through other independent channels. I want to thank member Nsnts for putting this together and sending it to me.DrO EHV Conference Draws Huge Crowd of Concerned Wellington Equestrians From Press Release on TheHorse.com December 16, 2006 In excess of 600 concerned people from the local equestrian community attended a press conference hosted by Stadium Jumping Inc., in the Jockey Club alongside the Internationale Arena at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Center this morning (Dec. 16). Unfortunately, on a weekend when the site should have been teeming with horses and people at the AGA National Championships--canceled earlier this week--the issue at the forefront of everyone's thoughts is the recently confirmed outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV). In an effort to keep everyone informed, a team of veterinarians was on hand to present the facts and answer questions with regard to this health crisis. Present were: Dr. Michael Short from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Veterinary Office in Tallahassee; Dr. Maureen Long from the University of Florida School of Veterinary Medicine, USDA Florida District Veterinarian Dr. Julie Gauthier; Dr. Dix Harrell, also representing the USDA for the Florida area; and central to the Wellington outbreak of EHV, Dr. Scott Swerdlin of Palm Beach Equine Clinic. Short outlined known information to date, including the chronology of the outbreak that focused on a shipment of horses imported from Europe and transported from the USDA quarantine facility in Newburg, N.Y., on Nov. 29. Harrell confirmed that none of the horses had shown any clinical signs of the disease when they were released from quarantine. He did go on to say, however, that horses are not specifically tested for EHV before being released, "because it's not a foreign disease." It was also confirmed by Short that of a total of the six cases of EHV that have displayed neurological symptoms, there have been three fatalities. Currently, only one barn is under a state quarantine order, although a second had been voluntarily quarantined, with test results pending. He added that the horse community must remain patient because, "What happens in the next three weeks will determine the next three months." Long confirmed that EHV is a latent virus and can, therefore, be carried by horses that themselves show no clinical signs of the disease, a typical "… typhoid Mary scenario." She was also quick to point out that there is an unfortunately "low chance of survival" for horses that exhibit neurological symptoms. "The good news is that we were on to this very quickly. The bad news is that it's herpes." Long continued by saying that "neurological signs are not always accompanied by fever. We have a high rate that are neurologic but don't yet know how many horses may have been exposed to EHV." During her presentation, Long focused primarily on sanitization protocols based on the "best givens," and also unequivocally stated, "I do not want to see people jump up at the end of this press conference and truck their horses a couple hundred miles," reiterating the need for caution as stress is a known trigger factor for EHV. Long also addressed vaccination issues, saying that while vaccinated horses may not be prevented from contracting EHV, it will certainly "blunt the fever and reduce the spread by reducing nasal shedding." However, she also said that vaccinating now, when there has been no history of prior vaccination against EHV, could be contra-indicated because the vaccine itself might cause temperature fluctuations that could be misread. Having been involved from the local onset of EHV, Swerdlin outlined the area that is currently under a mandatory quarantine order: Pierson Road south to 120th West, and east from Rustic Ranches heading south to 160th. A voluntary quarantine order is also in place for the Southfields area. He reiterated that "there are civil criminal penalties for breaking the orders." During his presentation Swerdlin said, "We have to be proactive in order to stop it [EHV] in its tracks," but didn't think it was necessary to introduce a testing protocol into a barn where horses were showing no fever or clinical signs. He also said he couldn't sufficiently stress the need for a collective effort among the equestrian community, especially with regard to the movement of personnel between stalls and barns. It was suggested that all barns introduce footbaths for people entering and departing, all dogs and/or other "barn buddies" should be leashed and segregated, washing and/or sanitizing hands is vital for all barn personnel, likewise for any barn equipment and tools that may be used for multiple stalls--paying particular attention to "drinking buckets" according to Long, who, in fact, also advocated the use of individual manure buckets and pitchforks, stressing that if a horse sneezes, the nasal discharge can be sprayed 35 feet. Short confirmed that as of today's date, there were no inter-state restrictions in force, but strongly recommended that if horses are scheduled for shipment into the area, "wait seven days. A lot can happen between now and then" that could determine the course of the disease, with specific implications for the upcoming show season. In this regard, Swerdlin said that there would need to be a 21-day period with no horses showing clinical signs (fever) of EHV before a barn could be deemed clear of infection. In the meantime, he suggested twice-daily temperature taking in order to identify early onset. Overall, given the level of anxiety among local horse owners, the press conference was extremely informative and answered a great many questions in terms of the current situation and how the community can work together to ensure the earliest possible containment and eradication of this disease. A hand-out entitled: EHV-1 Biosecurity Information Sheet contained the following information: Horses stables on or surrounding the Wellington show grounds are to have temperatures taken a minimum of twice daily, with a temperature log being maintained for each horse. Horses whose fevers are 102.0 or are greater than one degree above their normal temperature should be reported to the state veterinarian's office and the stable's veterinarian. The horse should be isolated and samples taken by the stable veterinarian to include whole blood (EDTA tube) and nasal swab for PCR testing of EHV-1. Precautionary measures for bio-security should be employed., 1) Limit admittance of people into the barns. Allow only essential individuals. When entering or exiting a stable or barn, use footbaths to disinfect outer footwear. 2) Wash hands with soap and water after handling each horse. 3) Minimize use of shared equipment. Equipment such as water buckets, lead ropes, grooming equipment, etc., should not be shared. Items belonging to each individual horse should be labeled. Other equipment should be disinfected daily and between each use. 4) Care should be taken when filling buckets and feed troughs. Neither the horse nor the feed scoop should have contact with the bucket or trough. 5) Multi-dose medications should not be shared between horses. For example, oral medication such as bute, banamine, surpass, etc. Plus any additional biosecurity precautions the stable veterinarian or stable manager might deem appropriate. Florida's Association of Equine Practitioners Web site will be posting updates starting this afternoon, and hereafter with regard to on-going developments. The entire press conference was videotaped, and as a public service, will be available for free viewing on the front page of www.phelpssports.com ************************************************ From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Division of Animal Industry, www.doacs.state.fl.us/ai. Florida State Vet: EHV Confirmed, 15 Clinical Cases From Press Release on TheHorse.com, December 18, 2006 As of Saturday (Dec. 16), five cases of equine herpesvirus type-1 (EHV-1) have been confirmed with laboratory testing from horses on a quarantined premises in the Wellington, Fla., area. Four additional premises have movement restrictions in place pending further laboratory testing. Three deaths and 15 clinical cases have been attributed to this disease. Six cases have had neurological signs. The index (or first case reported) was a horse imported from Europe though the USDA New York Animal Import Center. Animals on suspected or affected premises are being monitored for fever and other clinical signs on a daily basis and laboratory work is pending on additional cases. State and Federal officials are working closely with veterinarians, owners, managers, and others in the affected equine industry to identify potentially exposed animals and suspect cases and to prevent further spread of the disease. With the exception of the affected premises, there are no state or federal restrictions for horse movements into, within, or out of state of Florida. Industry representatives and state and federal officials have agreed on a number of steps to contain this outbreak. These include the identification of potentially exposed animals with appropriate monitoring and biosecurity measures taken, isolation and treatment of suspected cases, and coordination of control efforts by industry and state and federal representatives. The close working relationship between cooperators, stakeholders, and the public is key to limiting the spread of this disease. Although EHV-1 can be a serious disease of horses and the virus can spread through the air for respiratory infection, transmission generally requires direct or close contact between horses. Horses with clinical signs should be isolated and kept 40 feet or more from other horses. Owners with sick horses should contact their private veterinarian to examine and treat their horses. Veterinarians suspecting EHV-1 with neurological signs are advised to contact state officials and follow protocols for collecting and submitting appropriate samples for laboratory diagnosis. Vaccines are available and concerned owners should discuss whether vaccination of their animals is recommended, the type of vaccines available, and the frequency of recommended vaccination with their veterinarian. Vaccination in the face of an outbreak will probably not prevent infection but may lessen respiratory signs and reduce viral shedding with future exposure. Herpesvirus Update: Kentucky Mare Cleared From Press Release on TheHorse.com, December 19, 2006 Since equine herpesvirus (EHV) is not a federally reportable disease, state officials have become better at communicating among themselves when there might be a problem involving EHV. Such was the case when a shipment of 15 horses from Germany was quarantined at a New York facility, and horses from that shipment have been confirmed with the neurologic form of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). Those 15 horses were dispersed across the country. One gelding was sent to California (via Kentucky) and later died of the neurologic form of EHV-1. Five of the imported horses were shipped to Florida, where two are showing neurologic signs and three are in isolation. Three Florida horses that came in contact with the imported horses have died, with neurologic EHV-1 confirmed in at least one horse. Four other Florida horses that were in contact with imported horses are showing neurologic signs. A mare from the import group was sent to Kentucky in a trailer with the gelding that later died of neurologic EHV-1 in California, according to Rusty Ford, Equine Programs Manager with the Kentucky State Veterinarian's office The van was officially sealed when it left New York since the mare had to undergo testing for contagious equine metritis (CEM, a venereal disease) upon reaching Kentucky. The gelding was the only other horse in the trailer during the New York to Kentucky transit. The mare was detained for contagious equine metritis (CEM) testing, then was held for EHV-1 testing until today (Dec. 19), according to Ford. She was released after testing and incubation periods showed she is not positive for EHV-1. Ford said when the trailer arrived, the gelding was not examined, but he was observed to have no obvious abnormalities, said Ford. "We received one mare for CEM testing that was included on the (import) shipment," explained Ford. "When the indication of a problem was first noticed, I reviewed our records of horses received from the quarantine center during the critical time, identifying this mare as the the only horse likely to have been on the shipment with a Kentucky destination. This speculation was later confirmed as factual." Ford said the initial report in the current neurologic EHV-1 outbreak was received from California when the gelding died and was confirmed as having EHV-1. "I received this information on Sunday, Dec. 10," noted Ford. "The history of the affected animal indicated he had been recently imported. On Monday morning, Dec. 11, I received a message from Mike Short in Forida that they were addressing what may be herpesvirus with neurologic signs. When we spoke, he, too, mentioned the index animal was recently imported. One plus one equals two, and we all (state veterinarians) began talking. (Mike Short, DVM, is equine programs manager for Florida's Division of Animal Industry.) The gelding that later died in California of neurologic EHV-1 reportedly left Kentucky with two other horses in the trailer (possibly Thoroughbred weanlings). Those horses are being traced. The Kentucky Mare On arrival in Kentucky, the warmblood mare from Germany was examined, identified, and quarantined for CEM testing, said Ford. During the course of her quarantine, which began on Nov. 28, the mare has shown no evidence of a viral infection or other illness. The CEM testing was completed last week, but Kentucky officials elected to maintain the mare in quarantine while testing her for EHV-1. She was classified as "exposed and at a high risk," said Ford "Following our Established Protocol when addressing this illness, samples were collected and submitted to the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center for PCR assays to be completed on both whole blood and nasal swab samples," reported Ford. "The mare has been examined and/or inspected multiple times since we became aware of the disease and her status as exposed." Ford said that today marks the 22nd day since the mare's last known exposure to EHV-1, "and with my samples testing negative by PCR, I anticipate releasing the mare from quarantine and restrictions today (Dec. 19) after a final examination and evaluation is completed," he stated. He reiterated that the communication between animal health officials "once again proved to be effective in minimizing the transmission of a highly contagious disease. A problem was recognized early, by happenstance. Just because of the experience Kentucky has had with herpesvirus, California officials called looking for information. The next morning I got call from Florida (about their EHV problem). We recognized the link with imported horses and started looking at times and decided the horses were on the same charter."Managing these diseases is easy if you implement the proper protocols, biosecurity, and testing," stated Ford. He stressed that you then have to have patience because the testing and waiting out the incubation period take time. |
| Member: Mrose |
Posted on Wednesday, Dec 20, 2006 - 11:53 pm: The latest info on the Florida outbreak:https://thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=8463 |
| New Member: Hpyhaulr |
Posted on Thursday, Dec 21, 2006 - 3:07 pm: font{verdana,arial,helvetica,I am sorry about all the commotion in Wellington, but truthfully, I prefer that over the lack of information on the national level. 5 of the 15 imported horses went to Florida. One went to Kentucky for CEM quarantine(since released). I am more concerned about the other 9. I have heard nothing about tracking their travels, and until I do, I do not know where and who is safe to load. Time, travel and ignorance are the real enemies here. Hauling, under the best of care and circumstances, is still stressful and therefore, immune suppressing. As horse haulers, we want to do the responsible thing here, but there is no federal guideline or plan to follow. We need to know who and where and the longer it takes to get that information to us, the further the net widens! Breeding season starts in a matter of weeks. Polo season, events, shows... we need a coordinated tracking system NOW, actually, yesterday would have been better! Anybody want to direct me to more nationally driven information? Florida seems to be very forthcoming. But they are clearly not the only destination point. This morning I heard there are 2 unconfirmed cases in SOCAL being watched If we have the ability to exponentially inflate the problem, then we have to assume the responsibility to work at least as diligently to contain it! HELP?!!! |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Thursday, Dec 21, 2006 - 3:58 pm: Cyndi, horse haulers are definitely at risk as you may in fact unknowingly expose animals to this disease because people are, as we speak, exiting from Wellington's as yet unquarantined areas. This is after possibly having been exposed at the showgrounds. Calder racetrack is experiencing the same phenomena- people leaving because they can- and shippers being called on to haul from there. You can't hear yourself think above the noise of all the Sallee and Brookledge horse vans leaving Wellington right now. As far as I can see the horse industry here is DONE (stick it with a fork done as my kids say). All that is left is us "backyarders" as they say. And we are concerned to say the least.The USDA has DrOpped the ball IMO because they are allowing this problem to spread. Why, for example, allow horses in and out of Florida? Do they not get it? What part of "spread through the air" do they not get? Yes, at least Florida has imposed some quarantines, but not enough. There are actually cops out enforcing the quarantine I can see.I saw them turn a polo guy ponying a bunch of horses back to his farm. But allowing all those animals to leave for parts unknown after having been at the Wellington showgrounds will only expose other states to this mess. I heard that the original animal that came to the Palm Beach Equine clinic was hospitalized with other animals, two of whom fell sick and were euthanized. But that original animal came from having been at the showgrounds- shedding virus all the way. This could have infected hundreds, many of whom fled. I pity the horses that get on thoses vans after the Wellington horses step off.....Haulers may have to invest in giant barrels of bleach and use lots of it, after each haul. |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Thursday, Dec 21, 2006 - 4:03 pm: Dr. O- do you think it is nutty to avoid the local Wellington feed stores? I got hay and feed in 3 other counties already just to avoid getting a delivery from these local places that may have been in Wellington... I am not concerned about the hay and feed itself, just that the hands and shoes of the delivery people may carry this thing. the jupiter Fla. horse never left its farm, and no horses came in. Also what to do about the farrier?-Beth |
| New Member: Hpyhaulr |
Posted on Thursday, Dec 21, 2006 - 4:55 pm: I just got off the phone with the Staff Vet in charge of Equine Diseases, USDA.According to Dr. Cordes, all the imported horses are accounted for and tracked. The 21 day incubation period is nearing that mark for the index group in a couple of days. Florida is the only state with involvement beyond the index group. The horses in the other states: NY, PA, NH, SC, NC,VA,Co,KY,Ca will be cleared then. There are no further containments considered at this time. "Ladies and gentlemen, feel free to move about the cabin at that time". I feel MUCH better. I know that doesn't take the pressure off FLorida, but it helps the rest of us. |
| New Member: Hpyhaulr |
Posted on Thursday, Dec 21, 2006 - 5:15 pm: Beth,Gotta tell you NOONE prints the kind of money it would take to get me to haul anything out of Wellington right now. God bless the big boys and their risk managers. Containment is containment period end of report. Wellington is too important to the horse industry to go down. Money makes the world go 'round and it is there. They just have to be a bit judicious and patient right now. I have clients waiting for us to bring horses into Wellington. They are not cancelling, merely postponing. When the dust clears, and it will clear, Wellington will not be the Typhoid Mary of the industry. It will emerge as an example of what can be done with industry and individual cooperation and due diligence. As long as the containment is not violated, it should do the job. I hope and pray that will just be another month away. Til them, I'll stick to emailin' y'all if you don't mind. You are all in our thoughts and prayers 
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| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Thursday, Dec 21, 2006 - 5:40 pm: Cyndi- I know, I am kind of like an untouchable at the moment. Unclean! Yuck. And I am out of the ground zero area.I am in Lake Worth-just south of the showgrounds. but actually closer to the problem than some in North Wellington, and closer than I'd like to be.Boy, I was unable to get through to the USDA- I have no clout. I just emailed. They sent it back, said I sent it to the wrong USDA office. our tax dollars at work. What is this 20 DAY INCUBATION PERIOD? I was told it was 2-10 days by my vet- also this was what was in the papers. Oh no.You know what? I think this virus can lie dormant so that any horse that has been exposed doesn't have to come down with the virus to spread it- so the whole quarantine thing isn't necessarily going to eradicate this or prevent spread.I truly hate to bring this up- but I think we've all heard about human herpes virus-someone can spread it without even having an outbreak. And this one is airborne. If this were humans instead of horses there would be a major panic.... |
| Member: Jojo15 |
Posted on Thursday, Dec 21, 2006 - 8:37 pm: One article in The horse online stated that the one in soCAL in san diego came in contact with hundreds of horses. I don't think its contained at all. and the horse in kentucky? it was cleared yes, but what about the horses on that trailer that DrOpped the one horse off? The barn in ocala with the one horse voluntarily shut down one of their barns, but not the others on the property.I'm down to five bales of hay... uh oh.. same situation. should i go and get more? or allow them to deliver. country feed in jupiter is now stating they will not deliver onto any property if you want to set up a pallet DrOp off outside your gates they will deliver that way... and my neighbors with horses? cannot come in the property. Other than that i'm just reading and watching...my horse hasn't left the property. and there are NO horses in 500 yards in any direction. those horses are minis. and the others haven't gone any where either. I put a sign out for the meter reader to NOT come on my property right now till this has cleared. Locking that gate. got an email from a jupiter farms woman. 2 barns are under voluntary quarentine. and she sent me a sign to put up... I saw all the vans heading out on southern and 441 the other day. I figured they were empty. When you have a 100,000 dollar horse i guess your going to get it as far away as you can... |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 3:17 pm: Still under quarantine......today is one week I think. And I heard that there is a big horse show planned for new year's right in Wellington. I am interested to see if that actually happens.I would never take my animals there. The ag people say it is perfectly OK, but it kind of reminds me of the mayor in Jaws: "OK to swim! There's no shark!" And we all know how that ended! My husband is busy hauling hay from 50 miles away...LOL.My horses are getting nutty from no riding.Dr. Reid, quoted in the Palm Beach Post the other day, did not seem at all happy...he was not as hopeful that this thing is contained. I hope the USDA guys are right. I am just hoping that no one colics- my vet hospital is off limits.What would I do then? I wouldn't even want one of the vets on my farm for fear of contamination.I am even filing my own minis hooves. -Beth |
| New Member: Hpyhaulr |
Posted on Saturday, Dec 23, 2006 - 5:08 pm: I don't remember where, but recently I read a DVM quote which pretty much said the next 3 weeks will determine what will happen in the next 3 months...The SOCAL horse who died, did so before reaching his destination. He was trailered with 2 TB weanlings currently under quarantine/observation. Their 21 days are not up yet. THE CEM mare who was on the flight was released and she was the only contact horse for the gelding who died enroute to SOCAL. Therefore we know that there is a latent property here and she can be a carrier without being infected. And if THAT doesn't concern you you're just not paying attention. I was assured however, that all contact horses are being tracked. I can't even imagine a week or more of living in "pariahville".God bless you all! Time to embroider the pillow..."this too shall pass". Just not fast enough, not at all. |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Sunday, Dec 24, 2006 - 3:38 pm: Update- still under quarantine...neighborhood Christmas parade cancelled for first time in ages...Cyndy-yes it is the fact that horses can carry this bug and never get it while shedding virus and infecting others that freaks people out. I guess that it behaves like other herpes virus bugs.Also, the vaccinations do not prevent you from getting it. What I have not been clear on is: is this a mutation of the viruses we knew, or is this one of the old ones? If anyone knows...I just finished stacking my own hay- 130 lb. bales-I never knew how much I appreciated that service! -Beth |
| Member: Jojo15 |
Posted on Sunday, Dec 24, 2006 - 4:46 pm: I heard a fifth horse has died a nd now 10 that have contracted it... one of the horse in jupiter(indiantown)..Beth... good exercise. I mowed my own lawn and canceled my handyman who has horses, too. oh well... next month maybe. He thought i was nuts when i told him why. I on the other hand think he's nuts cause he isn't taking it seriously. |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Sunday, Dec 24, 2006 - 8:16 pm: I just got a call I was waiting over a year for- the inexpensive fill I had ordered was ready to be dumped and spread out. I told them I couldn't do it now. Who knows where the bobcat was before my house? Wellington? Oh well I will live with the puddles a little bit more. My biggest problem is I can't find Legend 10% sweet feed- I usually get it at Grand Prix next to Palm Beach Equine Clinic- no way am I going there now.Jojo- have you heard if this thing is the exact virus we vaccinate for, or is it a mutation? I really don't feel I should bother my vets now with my curiosity when their hands are full treating the sick animals.If this is a mutation, well, if it can mutate and skip to people, it will be the end of the world...OK-gotta go wrap my presents now!But that's what is on my mind. I wonder.... |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Sunday, Dec 24, 2006 - 8:26 pm: Dr. O, my horses were all given 5 ways Oct. 7th as part of my routine vaccination program. I hadn't planned on giving any other vaccinations until March or April. But I just read that rhino boosters are being given if the horses have not been vaccinated in the past two months. What is your opinion of this? I am not a big fan of over vaccinating (especially the minis) but we are not in normal times. I attach the following discussion of this from a local paper. Dr. Snyder seems to feel it was indicated.I am contacting my vet at PBE to see what she thinks. My horses are pretty low risk- not show horses- but some neighbors' horses are.One of whom is fairly close."Dr. Kim Snyder, of the Palm Beach Equine Clinic, said she has not treated or seen a clinical case of the suspected equine herpes virus. She vaccinated more than 500 horses on Wednesday and was in the midst of vaccinating dozens more on Thursday as "a preventative measure," she said. "We are set up right now to vaccinate horses, boostering them with a Rhino vaccine to give people more peace of mind," Snyder said. "If their horses have already been vaccinated in the past two months, we are not recommending the booster. If they want to feel more comfortable they can get it." ???? |
| Member: Jojo15 |
Posted on Monday, Dec 25, 2006 - 8:01 am: Good morning, and happy holidays to everyone today...Beth, I asked Dr. kellon on the EqCushing list, since i stopped vaccinating altogether 3 years ago when i suspected a metabolic problems with my horse, it won't help YOUR horse not get it, only stop your horse from passing it on to others by not shedding the virus as much. She mentioned one study done that was givien a modified live vaccine that indicated the neurological might be lessened, but there were no other studies to back it up. and you know how dr.s are... The way she put it was,if you vaccinate it was more of a public service for others if you did. The rhino virus we normally vacinate for will not help with this particular strain. And yes, heard its more virulent than other times, and outbreaks. I keep hearing about boosters too. But heard they are only effective if you vaccinated yearly and recently. and must be given every couple of months. And i think the same holds true for that. Won't stop your horse from getting it, just lessen the shedding of it to other horses. The horse next door to you. Keep yours at least 50 ft away. and if its windy and blowing in your direction, keep your horses in. I read they vaccinated over 4,000 horses in a 3-4 day period... i'm sorry but i think that every one of those horses has an increased liklihood of getting it now, because the vets aren't perfect. And there is that chance they weren't as diligent as they think. and this strain seems to be more virulent. So just by them going to different farms they themselves could be part of the problem. One of the articles stated that while interviewing Dr. swerdlin he himself yelled at a worker, because the FORGOT to take off their outer clothing when walking from one barn to another. Its a matter of habit. Do one thing you're not used to and it takes a great deal of effort to remember the protocol. Add a full day of farm to farm visits and new protocols and i'm sure their are going to be mistakes. My favorite thing to do christmas morning is go around to all the friends houses with kids and say hello, see what they got for christmas, etc... Instead? i'm sitting here on the puter emailing... ugh... |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Monday, Dec 25, 2006 - 11:25 am: Merry Christmas and Good Tidings from the hot zone...Jojo I am still hurting from stacking those giant bales. Did something bad to my shoulder. As for that suspiciously new horse in my neighbor's pasture, it is very windy today, and the Nat'l Weather Bureau just interrupted CNN with a tornado warning.So we all may end up in OZ anyway. So much for trying to stay upwind from the virus. It is blowing like crazy out there. I am going to have to just chill out, because I can't stop the wind or keep the beasts indoors- they go nuts, and the little guys colic when kept in. No vets to help, so out is better than in. I definitely do not trust anyone's ability to disinfect themselves. After all this whole thing was greatly helped by the Palm Beach Equine Clinic itself. Now, not that these guys aren't brilliant vets- they have pulled my horses through some bad things- but there is only so much one can do when it is airborne.When my little mini was in on Oct 13th for his seasonal colic episode (terrible), he was next to a great big quarter horse with a "fever of unknown origin." I could kick myself. So far, none of mine have shown any symptoms of anything thank goodness. But I do question the placement of my tiny mini next to a 1300 pound horse with a fever. It is just like a people hospital- you go in for gall stones and end up with a deadly infection. FP&L seems to think they must come onto my place to check the meter. I may get a large vicious dog. Maybe a rottweiler. I told them not to do it- to wait. They said too bad. I will lock the gate and wait for a showdown. Ruby Ridge! Only kidding, trying to keep a sense of humor. |
| New Member: Hpyhaulr |
Posted on Monday, Dec 25, 2006 - 6:05 pm: Ho HO Ho...from the outside world!JoJo.. Dr. Cordes said that the seemingly annual mutation has been a source of great concern, so yes, there is no current vaccine. THey have known this about this virus for a few years. Beth, I thought of you this morning while hanging with my minis. As much as I love all my critters and I find the view from atop a horse to be better than jsut about anywhere else I have been, it's my minis who bring me back up when things get down. They were a gift from a friend who knew I was getting pretty down this summer. Walt was on the road so much he only had 45 days home all year. SHe brought these girls over and it was better than a bucket of Zoloft. I just can't help laughing when I am around them. They are my munchkins, my shrinky-dinks. This could be so muhc worse in so many ways. At least you are confined with them. What if you were away and worried sick ahout them? They will have to be your CHristmas Miracle. I am reminded of the blind 84 yr old man who was visited by Personal Ponies in Florida this summer. A very cranky cantankerous patient, the staff had not brought him in to visit the ponies, and so Sandra brought one to his home on premises. His HHA turned her away at the door saying he does not like visitors. SHe plowed right past the aide and trotted her mini right behind. Telling him she had a special visitor for him, he growled an expletive. SHe surprised him by taking his hand. "I brought you an animal friend" "I don't like cats" "THat's OK, I don't have one" "I'm afraid of dogs" "So am I" SHe put his hand on the mini's velvety nose. He had such a look of surprise on his face and then burst into a gusty roar of laughter that stunned the staff. They had never heard him laugh before in all 8 years."You got a horse in my house!" They left him with tears in the eyes that could not see what his memory and heart could. Go back to the barn girls. Today, of all days. Pity the folks who can't know what we know. The best stuff is always happening in the barn. Apparently that is nothing new! 
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| Moderator: DrO |
Posted on Monday, Dec 25, 2006 - 7:45 pm: Though frequent mutation is a problem with the influenza virus, I don't believe this is what is happening to the herpes virus as suggested above. Vaccinating for herpes virus has always been problematic even without frequent mutation. This is the old EHV-1 that has a small but stable mutation that is responsible for the more aggressive symptoms seen with this virus.We explain this in more detail along with answering some of the vaccine details discussed above and even have a suggested treatment regimen at Diseases of Horses » Nervous System » Incoordination, Weakness, Spasticity, Tremors » Equine Herpes Encephalopathy. DrO |
| Member: Mrose |
Posted on Tuesday, Dec 26, 2006 - 11:41 am: Cyndy - what an uplifting post, not just for those stuck and worried in FL, but for the rest of us,too. Thanks.You folks in FL...I feel for you; what a worry. Hang in there. It's sounds to me like you're educated and cautious, so I suspect you'll all be fine. I sure hope so. |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Tuesday, Dec 26, 2006 - 2:54 pm: Cyndy, I have to tell you I shed a tear ( a happy one!) reading your post -everyone sitting at our Christmas dinner table read it too. Thanks.While I am concerned for all my horses (everyone is concerned about their horses), I worry most about my little guys. My little clowns. All of us horse owners are caregivers/ nurturers. This thing, capable of wiping out your whole barn, just gets me where I live. Each equine is irreplaceable. -Beth |
| Member: Hpyhaulr |
Posted on Thursday, Dec 28, 2006 - 3:09 pm: Beth, Jojo..how are you guys doing down there? Have you got any word yet on when this should wind down for you? I am getting back with the USDA today. We have pulled off the road until we are comfortable with the national tracking. Delivering horse trailers until moving horses feels like a smart idea. I am sure we are losing clients left & right, but is better than losing sleep over being part of the problem. I just all feels weird! THe thing that bothers me is all our friends who are haulers agree with me, yet i am talking to them on their cells because they are out there hauling!I don't get it. Am i over reactng? |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Thursday, Dec 28, 2006 - 5:28 pm: Cyndy,No way are you over reacting. Trailering is exactly how horses get stressed and catch things. But meanwhile Brookledge's giant horse vans are now hauling into Wellington, full. I don't get that. I guess for some people the sport is more important than their horse. That's all I can think of. Not missing a show outweighed the safety of their horses. How un-sporting.That is how this whole thing started. Imagine- importing a horse over the Atlantic, and the minute is gets out, shipping it 1300 miles south to show it immediately. Imagine the stress for the animal.Apparently a common practice for the show jumping elite. We are still under quarantine- no end in sight.Thank goodness for lunge lines. -Beth |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Thursday, Dec 28, 2006 - 5:35 pm: Please do not give the modified live virus EHV1 vaccination booster to miniature horses or ponies- my vet warned me not to, as a mini in or near Wellington (not mine thank goodness) who was given the modified live version died, and the booster was suspected- my vet seemed to think it caused the death. The reason some are giving the modified live booster is that the time within which the horse develops immunity is shorter by like a week(?)than with the killed version. Just in case anyone was considering it- I haven't seen any warnings on the various web sites or in the papers. |
| Member: Jojo15 |
Posted on Thursday, Dec 28, 2006 - 6:19 pm: Monday i think was the cutoff.. x amount of days with no new cases and they feel they have it contained. I think that is what i heard. I stopped looking around for info. And if a barn is nowhere near the quarentines, and for a fact no horses came into contact with these horses, than some would consider their barns safe. and bring them in.cyndy, I'm not sure either if you are being careful or paranoid... grin. Personally, I would do as you are. But there is a lot of "its no big deal" in other areas outside florida. So, it could be we are just too close to the situation to have anything objective to say. Florida it might have stopped, but i read somewhere that other states have no protocol for this virus, and their is no reason to monitor it thru the state, nor any mandatory quarentines, etc... Beth, that is so upsetting... I have a mini too! do you vaccinate them at all? |
| Moderator: DrO |
Posted on Friday, Dec 29, 2006 - 7:22 am: Beth, I am not aware of any increased risk when vaccinating mini's with any vaccine compared to the risk in other horse breeds. After reading your post I went and checked the veterinary literature for such associations and found none.We often get such reports where a well established product has all of a sudden started causing problems. The problem is that almost always it later turns out to be overreaction to either coincidence or a idiosyncratic reaction. As examples, frequenters of this board should remember the West Nile Vaccine and abortion false reports and the ivermectin toxicity false reports, both just in the past year but received national attention. I would hate to think someone reading your post uses it as a reason to avoid a vaccine that turns out later would have saved their mini's life. The important question here is, "Why did your veterinarian feel this one death represents a generalized problem with vaccinating mini's with this specific vaccine?" DrO |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Friday, Dec 29, 2006 - 12:59 pm: Dr. O,I felt I wanted to share my vet's advice for several reasons- First, the killed vaccine is just as good provided you don't need immediate immunity as per my vet. Second, I know there are lots of minis near Wellington, and in my experience minis are different in lots of ways than full size equines. Third, if there has been no direct exposure, better to err on the side of caution and give the tried and true killed vaccine. I would love to simply reprint my vet's email, but I really can't as she wasn't expecting me too. I'd feel funny doing that. But, she did tell me that Palm Beach equine clinic vaccinated about 900 horses at or around the show grounds with the live booster, and that the live booster MAY have been behind the mini's death. So she is not recommending it for minis or ponies at this time, she said. I think that's pretty responsible- to ignore it would be foolhardy when the other, killed vaccine is available and just as good. At least until the live booster could be ruled out as a cause of death. I have given the killed vaccine (in the 5-way) for years to my minis and no problem. So I don't feel it is irresponsible as there is a very good alternative that is safe. Minis have been reported to react badly to certain medications and wormers- I know not to give Quest(is it the moxidectin?) and for sure my vets have told me they would not give any steroid unless absolutely necessary to a pony or mini. So, there are times when the minis present challenges... But I wanted to let Jojo know that I vaccinate my minis with the other horses regularly with the 5-way, and west nile, fall and spring. Only two shots- potomac comes on another month because I don't like to do more than 2 at once. This has not been the vet's advice, only my own decision. And I have not vaccinated for strangles.I am contemplating this though, especially since I go to different trails and parks. On another note I will ask my vet about the poor mini who died- did they do a necropsy (?) and what was the outcome. -Beth PS Dr. O, I have been wondering this for a while- why is it that the vets give the same amount of vaccine to induce an immune reponse, to a 200 lb mini that they give a 1200 lb. horse??? I am sure there is a good explanation for this. |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Monday, Jan 15, 2007 - 4:11 pm: Update- the quarantine signs are down! Went trail riding for the first time in six or seven weeks- too many behavioral problems to list. Too much un-spent energy. But it was worth it because none of our horses got sick.I think most of the quarantines are finished.-Beth |
| Moderator: DrO |
Posted on Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007 - 9:10 am: I am sorry Beth I missed the Dec 29th post. The reactions with Quest are almost assuredly from overdose. We take care of dozens of mini's and have not noticed any problems. With the old tube we always advised remeasuring into a smaller syringe to guard against accidents. As to the death it is the "MAY" in your post that is the problems because it "PROBABLY" wasn't, at least not with what is known now. As described in the article the killed vaccine did not perform as well as the MLV in the only such test I am aware of with the neurotrophic herpes 1. A small test I agree but there are lots of reasons to expect MLV vaccines to work better if there reaction rate acceptable.Delighted to hear things are getting better. What is the final tally on number of horses ill, number with the neurological form, and those that died? DrO |
| Member: Bethyg2 |
Posted on Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007 - 10:54 am: Hi Dr. O! Things are definitely getting better here. But I was wrong-there are still barns under quarantine. They are all about 5 to 7 miles from my place. Here is the latest I was able to find in the Palm Beach Post, which IMO has done a great job in covering this story:"13 horses were diagnosed with the disease. Six horses died or were euthanized. Ten barns were under state-mandated quarantine. The Florida Department of Agriculture released the isolation area at the Palm Beach Equine Clinic from quarantine Friday. Three stables were released Thursday: one in Wellington, one in Jupiter Farms and one in Ocala." Since then I don't know, and this doesn't deal with the horses transported out of Fla.Oh well. I declined to participate in a mini show this week, because of this whole thing. With regard to minis, yes I belive the worming problem was due to overdose. But who hasn't messed up with the syringe before? I once gave my poor little stallion an entire syringe of gastroguard by accident. I guess you could prevent that by pre-measuring. But vets seem reluctant to give any kind of steroids to minis or ponies also. I had a pony attacked by fire ants,his neck blew up from the bites, but the vet said no steroids...who knows. All I know is that I have become the Howard Hughes of horse owners- I am scared to use the stalls at the trail heads ever again, plan to travel with rubbing alcohol and lysol, and keep a bottle of purel in the barn. I used to keep it in the house, to wash up FROM the barn, LOL. If I ever have a horse in a vet clinic again, for colic or a lameness issue, I think I will be very aware of what else is going on around him, such as horses with mysterious fevers. It's just like a human hospital in that regard.-Beth G. |
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