Horse-owners issued warning about viral disease

Animal health officials with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry have concerns about a viral disease and a bacterial infection that have reached the equine species.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Bob Odom cautions equine owners to be on the lookout for the diseases. He said the bacterial infection commonly known as strangles has been detected in some areas of Louisiana.

Unlike strangles, equine viral arteritis, a viral disease commonly referred to as (EVA), has not been reported in Louisiana. However the commissioner said there is a growing concern because cases have been detected in New Mexico and Utah in 2006.

Dr. Martha Littlefield, a New Orleans area veterinarian, said residents shouldn’t be alarmed because the diseases can’t be transmitted from horses to humans. She said animal health officials urge equine owners to follow their veterinarian’s advice and report all cases of strangles and EVA. Vets are the only ones that can administer the needed vaccine, she said.

“These two diseases are not reportable diseases, the vets have to rely on the goodwill of the equine owners,” said Ashley Rodrigue, a LDFA representative.

Strangles, or Streptococcus equi, is a bacterial infection that affects horses of all ages and breeds causing inflammation of the respiratory tract and associated lymph nodes. “It’s a frustrating problem for horse owners and their veterinarians because it can easily spread from horse to horse, especially during the show season,” Odom said. “Outbreaks have been occurring in the southwestern parishes for the past six months, but recently horses in north Louisiana and the Florida parishes have been infected.”

Odom said it is important for horse owners to work with veterinarians in getting a proper diagnosis and to isolate sick horses to prevent the spread of the disease.

“Pay attention to your animal’s overall health and attitude and work with your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual. This disease is not necessarily fatal, but it does cause significant pain and discomfort putting the affected horse out of commission for quite some time,” Odom said.

Rodrigue said symptoms for strangles include fever, loss of appetite, listlessness and swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck/throat area. If a horse displays these symptoms, contact a veterinarian.

Dr. Henry Moreau, LDAF state veterinarian, said the disease is easily spread from horse to horse, from flies and insects, in water containers, and through poor nutrition.

“There are several bio-security measures that can be implemented to decrease the spread of strangles,” he said. “Minimizing contact with others horses, disinfecting food and water containers before use, disinfecting stalls between uses, minimizing travel-related stress and using good hygiene are all important steps to protect horses at the farm level.”

EVA, a viral diseases among horses, donkeys and other equine, causes mares to abort and can also cause mild and severe respiratory disease. The disease has not been diagnosed in Louisiana, but is not reportable to the state veterinarian.

“Although EVA is not currently reportable, I do urge veterinarians and horse owners to voluntarily report suspected and confirmed cases of EVA to the state veterinarian’s office. It’s our primary way of protecting the equine industry in the state and it ensures we have an accurate picture of equine disease patterns in Louisiana,” Odom said.

Rodrigue said EVA symptoms include fever, depression, diarrhea, a cough or nasal discharge and swelling of the legs, body or head. She said laboratory testing is necessary to confirm a diagnosis because other equine diseases have the similar symptoms.

According to the state veterinarian’s office, horses are infected in several ways: inhaling the virus, natural service of a mare by a carrier stallion, artificial insemination of a mare with semen from a carrier stallion and exposure to bedding and other objects contaminated with the virus. Cleaning and disinfecting stalls, trailers and equipment can reduce the risk of EVA exposure, the officials said.

Moreau said knowing the health history of stallions used in breeding operations is the key to preventing the spread of EVA to other horses. “Know the EVA status of stallions, semen shipments and mares before they are introduced onto your farm,” Moreau cautioned. “Consult your veterinarian about vaccination protocols for broodmares, stallions and foals. Also, ensure good bio-security measures are followed at your farm.”

To report suspected cases of EVA and/or Strangles contact, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Animal Services office ay (225) 925-3980.