LA TIMES-Horse herpes: The virus behind the outbreak
Apparently the upsurge that we're seeing of the herpes virus in humans is also occuring in the equine world. This has forced the cancellation of many horse races, events, shows and rodeos.
Equine herpes is rampant now. There are 5 strains -- EHV-1, EHV-4 and EHV-5 are the ones most talked about. They are very contagious. The virus lives in the horse's nostrils and can be spread through inhalation or nasal discharge. Unlike human herpes, spreading the virus is not necessarily through physical contact, so it can spread through just a sneeze.
Each form of EHV produces different symptoms, including:
- fever
- nasal discharge
- enlarged glands
- incontinence
- decreased performance
- miscarriage
- weakness in hind legs
- lesions
- and strange gait.
Paralysis through infiltration of the virus to the nervous system can occur with EHV-1.
Respiratory illness and abortion can also be caused by equine herpes, as well as damage to blood vessels, the brain and the spinal cord. Some horses with this neurological damage have to lean against the wall for balance.
This makes you think about all the suffering -- pain and inflammation in the human world and how a dorment, sequestered herpes virus can effect the body. No one would know because it could manifest in a way that you wouldn't expect a virus to manifest.
This is one reason I like to do biofeedback assessments --- underlying, mysterious causes come to light, treatments can strengthen the immune system and suppress herpes viral symptoms which can help decrease a lot of pain and suffering.
To prevent this viral spread, horse owners are keeping their horses under quarantine. This is why many equine events have been cancelled recently.
Similarities with Human and Horse Herpes
Most people realize that herpes is brought on by stress -- multiple stressors. Stress weakens the immune system.
Most horses have contracted herpes by age 2, from their mother, but also as in humans, it lies inactive until times of extreme stress hit. For a horse, that could be rigorous training and exercise, a busy or long distance travel schedule, demanding competitions, inadequate nutrition, and so on. These stressors can suppress the immune system, allowing herpes symptoms to surface.
Horses also receive a lot of vaccinations. This could be one reason that there's been such an upsurge of equine herpes. Pregnant mares usually get vaccinated every 2 months. Equine vaccines include: Rhinomune, Flu-Avert IN, and PneumabortK.
Vaccinations can cause stress to an animal or human body. When humans get flu shots and other vaccines, I sometimes see them contract shingles or herpes, post vaccination. If the viral load increases, the immune system may have a difficult time keeping the viruses at bay. Something to think about. |
