Types of Horse Diseases

Horses are susceptible to a variety of viral and venereal diseases caused by various factors in their environment and exposure to other infected animals. Progress in equine medicine has led to the development of vaccines that prevent many common diseases that affect horses, but some viral diseases still have no cure.

  1. West Nile Virus

    • The West Nile Virus is a serious life-altering disease that can be fatal to horses. It is spread by infected mosquitoes and is prevalent in wet areas. Outbreaks of the West Nile Virus must be reported to ArboNET, an electronic-based surveillance and reporting system used to track virus activity. There is a vaccine available to prevent West Nile Virus.

    Equine Viral Arteritis

    • The first breakout of Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) occurred in 1985. EVA is a viral infection of the equine respiratory tract and is not transmissible to humans and other domestic animals. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), symptoms of EVA include "fever, respiratory problems, severe coughing and the accumulation of fluid in the body." There is a vaccine for EVA available.

    Equine Herpes Virus

    • Equine Herpes Virus, also known as Equine Rhinopneumontis virus or EHV, is an infectious viral disease. It can spread via the respiratory tract, membrane and fluid of aborted fetuses. Infected foals can pass the infection to healthy mares through the respiratory system. The USDA states that "the virus can spread through the air, contaminated equipment, clothing and hands."

    Equine Infectious Anemia

    • The equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) is a retrovirus that contains RNA material, the same material used to produce DNA. The DNA then links itself to the genetic makeup of infected cells. The USDA states that the EIAV is difficult to differentiate from other diseases such as anthrax, influenza and equine encephalitis. There is no known vaccine or treatment for the disease.

    Vesicular Stomatitis

    • Vesicular Stomatitis is another viral disease. It effects horses, cattle, and pigs but sheep and goats are rarely susceptible. Symptoms of vesicular stomatitis include fever and erosion in the mouth and sores on the teats and feet. There is no specific treatment or cure for vesicular stomatits. Owners can prevent the spread of the disease by separating animals from affected areas.

    Eastern Equine Encephalitis

    • Eastern equine enchephalitis (EEE) is a rare viral disease that can effect both people and horses. It is spread by mosquitoes who have fed on infected birds. It effects the central nervous system, the liver and the muscles of the body, and the results are long term. There are EEE vaccines available for horses.