ACVIM releases consensus statement on EHV-1

Lakewood, Colo.

-- The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) released a 12-page consensus statement on equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) as a guide to veterinarians in managing the disease.

The authors provide the latest scientific and practical guidance in 10 key areas: disease mechanisms, PCR testing, epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis and prognosis, vaccines, prevention for neurologic and abortigenic forms, controlling EHV-1 outbreaks, responding to outbreaks and treatment approaches.

Equine veterinarians and veterinary schools have observed an increase in the neurologic form of EHV-1 over the last few years, and that was a driver behind the statement, although the authors say that diagnosis and treatment of the disease is always on ACVIM's radar.

The statement includes specific steps for controlling the spread of EHV-1, and steps to take in the event of an outbreak, including management of quarantines.

Here is a Web link to access the full statement here.