 The University's 80-horse herd was quarantined in early January to prevent the spread of the disease outside the herd.
 The Universityâs 80-horse herd was quarantined in early January to prevent the spread of the disease outside the herd.
Twenty-three horses within the herd have shown clinical signs of equine herpes infection. Five of them exhibited neurological signs of the disease. Two of those have mild residual effects of the disease but none became recumbent (unable to stand) and none died or were euthanized. All of the other affected horses are fully recovered.
Classes and other activities directly involving horses were curtailed or modified during the quarantine and the Department of Animal Science is deciding what activities will be resumed this semester, said Sandra Bushmich, associate professor of pathobiology and veterinary science.
Equine rhinopneumonitis is a common horse disease. The disease causes respiratory infections in young horses, and usually resolves itself. Less frequently, the virus may cause more serious neurological disease or abortion.
Equine herpes virus infection, or equine rhinopneumonitis, EHV, is passed from horse to horse through respiratory discharges. People cannot contract EHV, although they may inadvertently spread the disease from horse to horse by contact or by using contaminated equipment. There is no public health risk associated with this equine disease.
EHV-1 and other horse health issues will be discussed at the New England Conference on Equine Health and Management at UConn on Saturday March 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The conference is open to the public.
More information can be obtained at www.canr.uconn. edu/ansci/equine/cehm/htm.
More information about EHV and UConnâs horses can be found at www.canr.uconn. edu/ansci