EHV-1 at Beaufort Hunt Stables

[FrankellyMyDearIDontGiveADamn]

A horse at the Beaufort Hunt stables has been euthanised after suffering from EHV-1 (neurological).

There is a brief statement on the Badminton website saying they are dealing with the situation. There must be a risk that quarantine could affect the Horse Trials.

The statement doesn't say, though I have it on good authority via the AHT, that 3 other horses in the yard are displaying symptoms.

My understanding is that the affected horse had been out hunting twice in the previous week, so there are a large number of horses that could have come into contact.

Eek!

Yeap EEk

We had a warning in early February from Bourton Vale vets that equine herpes had been found in the Heythrop Hunt stables, but I'm sure they have been given the all clear and all the horses were fine. Is that the same as EHV-1? I can't remember all the details now, but I remember it could be fatal and was glad at the time that my two haven't been hunting this season (Heythrop and VWH share country and sometimes meets).

Does the disease happen really fast then? I would have thought that the horse would have seemed off colour at the very least in the week leading up to it's death.

From what I understand they think all the Gloucestershire cases are linked. There is a 14 day incubation with EHV so the horse can look well but still be contagious. Hence why people should be strictly enforcing a minimum 2 week quatantine for new arrivals.

Apparently the Beaufort horse arrived on 6th March and was hunted twice before displaying symptoms. It was euthanised on 16th March.

EHV is Equine Herpes Virus. It comes in 5 strains:

EHV 1 causes respiratory disease, abortion and paralysis
EHV 2 causes respiratory disease
EHV 3 is an STD causing pustules on the genitals
EHV 4 causes upper respiratory tract disease
EHV 5 causes respiratory disease in young horses

EHV 1 is unique in that it can attack 3 different systems (respiratory, reproductive and central nervous). There is no cure and horses remain carriers for life.

I remember mentioning the Heythrop cases to one of the VWH bigwigs who dismissed it as tosh. No bloody wonder it's spreading with that sort of attitude really.

God! My sympathy to them. I had a strangles scare last year. It was fucking terrifying!

I do wonder if Badminton will go ahead. Ive heard from a very good source that they have stopped preparing the course for now. I dont think they could afford another abandonment! Lets hope this is not the end for Badminton but can they really continue with another massive loss?

I've heard rumours to that effect Denman, lets hope that's all they are and it goes ahead as planned.

Me too...mind you I doubt my horse will get in as he is currently 38th on the wait list! Not sure the other owners will want to risk it even if he did get it in. Such a shame as its a fantastic event!

So what's the latest? Mark Todd + Mary King both on fb talking about ramping up for it - surely they (if anyone!) would be in the know. Or is it a cunning and elaborate double bluff?

They have the all clear Fingers crossed for good going and nice weather.