Related Experiment Videos
Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) myeloencephalopathy: a case report
B Stierstorfer1, W Eichhorn, W Schmahl
1Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Infectious and Epidemic Diseases, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany.
Summary
An outbreak of equine herpesvirus type 1 caused neurological disease in horses, leading to ataxia and paresis. The virus was isolated from the spinal cord, confirming its role in the outbreak.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Equine Infectious Diseases
- Neurovirology
Background:
- Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is a significant pathogen in horses.
- Neurological complications associated with EHV-1 can lead to severe outcomes.
Observation:
- An outbreak of neurological disease, including ataxia and paresis, affected horses at a riding school.
- Affected horses exhibited recumbency, necessitating euthanasia in five cases.
Findings:
- Post-mortem examination revealed spinal cord hemorrhages, particularly in thoracic and lumbar segments.
- Histopathology showed perivascular mononuclear cuffing, axonal swelling, myelin alterations, and glial cell activation.
- Virological analysis confirmed acute equine herpesvirus type 1 infection, with virus isolated from a mare's spinal cord.
Implications:
- This study highlights the severe neurological impact of equine herpesvirus type 1.
- Understanding EHV-1 pathogenesis is crucial for managing outbreaks and preventing future neurological disease in equine populations.
- Effective biosecurity and vaccination strategies are essential for controlling EHV-1 spread.