Breeders told to test their mares for equine herpes

Horse shows in the Netherlands have been disrupted by an outbreak of the neurological strain of the equine herpes virus (EHV-1).

All equestrian competitions have been cancelled since the outbreak in eastern Holland at the end of February and had not restarted as H&H went to press.

And in the UK the Animal Health Trust is urging owners of in-foal mares who abort to have them investigated for the virus, which can cause abortions.

In January and February there were four cases of EHV-1 diagnosed in UK mares.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (22 March 2012)

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