HESTEFORSK EHV-1 in Sweden and Norway

Several outbreaks of the neurological form of EHV-1 (equine herpesvirus type 1) infection have gained attention in Europe and North America. EHV-1 is a serious threat to horse health and the horse industry. It causes disease, suffering and economic losses through respiratory signs, abortions, foal mortality, and neurological signs. Latent infection may result in disease and viral shedding due to reactivation during stress. Available statistics rely on passive surveillance, hence we don't know how common EHV-infection is in Swedish and Norwegian horses. The project will assess the prevalence and risk factors for EHV-1 and characterise circulating virus strains. Sampling of healthy and dead horses, along with collection of background data will provide a basis for risk assessment and mapping of the molecular epidemiology of EHV-1. This will help the horse industry, veterinarians and veterinary authorities to take measures to prevent spread of EHV-1 and manage future outbreaks.