Horse Diseases Flashcards
Where in the United States is rabies NOT found?
Hawaii.
How is a horse exposed to rabies?
Typically from a bite wound inflicted by an affected animal. Typically on the horse’s face, muzzle, or lower limbs.
What does a rabies infection cause in horses if untreated?
A fatal encephalitis.
What is the incidence rate of rabies in horses?
Low.
Is rabies a public health concern?
Yes, especially in Hawaii.
How often are horses vaccinated against rabies?
Annually, but depends on the area and veterinarian.
What type of vaccines are used to prevent rabies in horses?
Inactivated.
What is the causative agent for tetanus?
Clostridium tetani.
Where is C. tetani found?
In the GI tract of animals and ubiquitous in the environment, especially in the soil.
How is a horse exposed to tetanus?
- Puncture wound.
- Laceration.
- Umbilical tissue in foals.
- Surgical wound. ex: Castration.
- Reproductive tract in post-partum mares due to trauma.
How often are horses vaccinated against tetanus?
Annually.
What are EEE, WEE, and VEE caused by?
An alphavirus.
Where is EEE prevalent?
North and South America.
Where is WEE prevalent?
Western U.S. .
Where is VEE found?
Central America, South America, Mexico. Occasionally in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California.
How are EEE, WEE, and VEE transmitted?
Blood borne pathogens vectored by arthropods.
What symptoms do EEE, WEE, and VEE cause in horses?
- Neurologic dysfunction (sleeping sickness).
What is the mortality rate for EEE, WEE, and VEE?
High.
What is the cause of WNV?
A flavivirus.
What animal represents the majority of non-human mammalian cases of WNV?
Horses.
What species act as reservoirs for WNV?
Birds.
What animal acts as a vector for WNV?
Mosquitos.
What symptoms does WNV cause in horses?
- Neurologic dysfunction (sleeping sickness).
What are the 2 causative agents for equine herpesvirus?
- Equine herpesvirus (EHV) type 1.
- EHV type 4.
What is the alternate name for equine herpesvirus?
Rhinopneumonitis.
What are the 3 ways equine herpesvirus can present and what type(s) is/are associated with each?
- Neurologic (EHV-1).
- Abortogenic (EHV-1).
- Respiratory (EHV-1 and EHV-4).
What are the symptoms of the respiratory presentation of equine herpesvirus?
- Cough.
- Fever.
- Lethargy.
- Nasal discharge.
- Inappetence.
- Mandibular lymphadenopathy.
What are the symptoms of the abortogenic presentation of equine herpesvirus?
Abortions in pregnant mares.
What are the symptoms of the neurologic presentation of equine herpesvirus?
Equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM).
What is the range on the symptoms of equine herpesvirus?
Subclinical to severe.
What makes equine herpesvirus particularly dangerous?
A latent infection can be established and result in asymptomatic carriers/shedders. This allows for infections in closed herds.
*Is a reportable disease in many places.
Which two presentations of equine herpesvirus are vaccines available for?
- Respiratory.
- Abortogenic.
*Some cover only one and others cover both.
What is the duration of immunity for equine herpesvirus vaccines?
Short-lived.
What animals are at a high risk of infection for equine herpesvirus?
- Pregnant mares.
- Competition horses.
- Horses at facilities that have frequent movement of horses. ex: Training facility.
- Foals.
- Weanlings.
- Yearlings.
What is the causative agent for equine influenza?
Equine influenza A type 2 H3N8 subtype.
How is equine influenza transmitted?
- Respiratory secretions.
- Fomites.
What are the symptoms of equine influenza?
- Edema.
- Fever.
- Enlarged lymph nodes.
What horses are at a high risk of infection for equine influenza?
- Young horses.
- Horses that frequently travel.
What is the causative agent for strangles?
Streptococcus equi subspecies equi.
What are the symptoms of strangles?
- Lymphadenopathy w/ or w/o abscesses.
- Fever.
- Anorexia.
- Nasal discharge.
- Dysphagia.
- Purpura hemorrhagica (non-contagious sequela to the disease or vaccine).
What are the 2 vaccines for strangles?
- Intranasal MLV.
- Injectable KV.
What is the causative agent of Potomac horse fever?
Neorickettsia risticci.
How is Potomac horse fever transmitted?
When a horse ingests an insect infected with N. risticci.
When is Potomac horse fever most prevalent?
Spring-Fall.
What are the symptoms of Potomac horse fever?
- Diarrhea.
- Fever.
- Abortions.
What is the mortality rate for Potomac horse fever?
5-30%.
What is the causative agent of leptospirosis?
Leptospira interrogans and many serovars.
How is leptospirosis transmitted?
The bacteria is shed in the urine of infected animals and other animals ingest the bacteria by consuming contaminated water or soil.
What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?
- Uveitis (inflammation of the vasculature in the eye).
- Placentitis.
- Abortion.
- Renal failure.
What is the vaccine for leptospirosis?
A KV.
What is the causative agent of rotavirus?
2x-stranded RNA non-enveloped virus.
What are the symptoms of rotavirus?
- Foal diarrhea.
What age group is most commonly affected by rotavirus?
<6 months of age.
How is rotavirus transmitted?
Fecal-oral route.
What part of the GI tract does rotavirus damage?
The intestinal villi, similar to parvovirus in dogs.
What is the vaccine against rotavirus?
A vaccine given to pregnant mares to provide passive immunity to foals through colostrum.
