Equine Herpesvirus Type 1‐Associated Myeloencephalopathy in The Netherlands: A Four‐Year Retrospective Study (1999–2003)

Equine herpesvirus type 1(EHV‐1)‐associated myeloencephalopathy (EHM) is a rare disease affecting the central nervous system and, in particular, the spinal cord of horses. Epidemiologic data are limited, and usually are restricted to the description of a single outbreak. During an observational period of 4 years, we evaluated 9 outbreaks of EHM in The Netherlands. A risk factor analysis was done on the data from 6 outbreaks. Findings were: regular appearance of EHM outbreaks in The Netherlands (2–3/y); strong association of EHM with season; and risk factors, such as breed, sex, age, and fever.... Mehr ...