North Dakota and South Dakota recently confirmed cases of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM, the neurologic form of EHV-1), a potentially fatal and reportable disease. Addressing the risk, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health issued warnings and is offering equine biosecurity tips for owners traveling with horses.
Source: The Horse, May 3, 2018. Link.
Horse owners attending events should adhere to rigorous and routine biosecurity practices to prevent the further spread of EHM and other contagious diseases. Diseases can be carried from one place to another by other horses, people (on clothing, shoes, and hands), insects, trailers, and equipment (including tack, blankets, feed and water buckets, brushes, sponges, hoses, or veterinary supplies).
INSIGHTS: The Minnesota Board encourages owners to follow these equine biosecurity tips when traveling with horses:
- It is always best to use your own trailer and equipment. If you must borrow, clean and disinfect items thoroughly before exposing your horse and again before returning.
- Don’t let your horse touch other horses, especially nose to nose.
- Never put the end of a shared hose in your horse’s water bucket without disinfecting first.
- Don’t hand-graze your horse where other horses have recently grazed.
- If you touch other horses, wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them well before touching your own horse. Use disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Don’t let strangers pet your horse.
- Clean and disinfect tack, boots, equipment, and grooming supplies before returning home. Make sure to clean off dirt and manure before disinfecting.
- Shower, blow your nose (germs can survive a long time in nasal secretions), and put on clean clothes and shoes upon your return.
- Keep returning horses separate from your other horses for up to four weeks. When doing feeding and chores, work with the returning horses last, wear boots and coveralls, and remove them before working with your other horses.
- Don’t forget to wash your hands.