Equine Viral Diseases Review

These flashcards cover key concepts and details related to equine viral diseases, their transmission, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies as outlined in the lecture notes.

What are the outcomes of Equine Viral Diseases?

Equine viral diseases can range from high-morbidity respiratory syndromes to rapidly fatal neurologic encephalitides.

What are the key responsibilities of veterinary technicians in managing equine viral diseases?

They are critical for biosecurity, isolation, sample handling, vaccination compliance, and owner education.

What is the etiology of Encephalomyelitis?

Encephalomyelitis is caused by alphaviruses: Eastern, Western, and Venezuelan.

How is Encephalomyelitis transmitted?

It is transmitted via a mosquito-borne cycle involving birds.

What are the clinical signs of Encephalomyelitis?

Fever, ataxia, anorexia, paralysis, circling, head pressing, and hyperexcitability.

How is Encephalomyelitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis can be presumptive antemortem based on clinical signs or definitive postmortem through brain testing.

What is the treatment for Encephalomyelitis?

Supportive treatment, including fluids, anti-inflammatories, nursing care, and a dark quiet stall.

What are the prevention strategies for Encephalomyelitis?

Vaccination and mosquito control.

Is Encephalomyelitis reportable?

Yes, it is a reportable disease.

What is Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA)?

EVA is caused by the equine arteritis virus and is reportable.

How is EVA transmitted?

It is transmitted through respiratory and venereal routes.

What are the clinical signs of EVA in adults?

Fever, respiratory signs, and abortion in mares.

What is the diagnosis method for EVA?

Diagnosis can include virus isolation, paired serology, and antigen or nucleic acid detection.

What is the treatment for EVA?

Supportive treatment with NSAIDs, antipyretics, and rest.

What is a key prevention strategy for EVA?

Vaccination and management of stallions and mares.

What does EIA stand for?

Equine Infectious Anemia.

What is the etiology of EIA?

EIA is caused by a lentivirus from the Retroviridae family.

How is EIA primarily transmitted?

Through blood-sucking insects and iatrogenic blood exposure.

What are major clinical signs of EIA?

Fever, lethargy, anorexia, pale mucous membranes, and possible neurologic signs.

How is EIA diagnosed?

Through the Coggins test (AGID) and ELISA assays.

Is there a cure for EIA?

No, treatment is only supportive.

What are the prevention strategies for EIA?

Vector control, sterile equipment, and strict testing requirements for movement.

What is the etiology of Equine Influenza?

Caused by the Orthomyxoviridae family, specifically Influenza A.

How is Equine Influenza transmitted?

It is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets.

What are the clinical signs of Equine Influenza?

High fever, cough, nasal discharge, and increased respiratory rate.

How is Equine Influenza diagnosed?

Diagnosis can be presumptive but confirmed with virus isolation or antigen assays.

What is the treatment for Equine Influenza?

Supportive care including rest, hydration, and NSAIDs.

What is the best prevention for Equine Influenza?

Vaccination and reducing mixing of horses.

What is the etiology of Rabies in horses?

It is caused by the Rhabdovirus (Lyssavirus).

How is Rabies transmitted?

Through bites from infected wildlife such as skunks or bats.

What are the clinical signs of Rabies?

GI, cerebral, and spinal signs including ataxia and behavior change.

How is Rabies diagnosed?

Postmortem brain examination is definitive.

What is the treatment for Rabies in horses?

There is no treatment; rabies is fatal.

What are the prevention measures for Rabies?

Vaccination and wildlife control.

What is the etiology of Rhinopneumonitis?

It is caused by Equine herpesvirus types 1 and 4.

How is Rhinopneumonitis transmitted?

Through respiratory spread.

What are the clinical signs of Rhinopneumonitis?

Upper respiratory disease, abortion in mares, and neurologic signs.

How is Rhinopneumonitis diagnosed?

Diagnosed through postmortem PCR or antemortem testing.

What is the treatment for Rhinopneumonitis?

Isolation and supportive care.

What are the prevention measures for Rhinopneumonitis?

Vaccination and managing pregnant mare exposure.

What is Vesicular Stomatitis (VS)?

A viral disease caused by Rhabdoviridae.

How is Vesicular Stomatitis transmitted?

Insect-borne transmission.

What are the clinical signs of Vesicular Stomatitis?

Fever, ptyalism, and fluid-filled vesicles in the mouth.

How is Vesicular Stomatitis diagnosed?

Antibody detection or virus isolation.

What is the treatment for Vesicular Stomatitis?

Mostly supportive; most recover in 7-14 days.

What are the precautions for Vesicular Stomatitis?

PPE and hygiene; report suspect cases.

What is the etiology of West Nile Virus?

It belongs to the Flaviviridae family.

How is West Nile Virus transmitted?

Mosquito-borne transmission from a bird reservoir.

What are the clinical signs of West Nile Virus?

Fever, personality change, and possible neurologic signs.

How is West Nile Virus diagnosed?

Diagnosis includes IgM-capture ELISA and viral isolation.

What is the treatment for West Nile Virus?

Supportive care to prevent complications.

What is the primary prevention measure for West Nile Virus?

Vaccination and mosquito control.

What is the etiology of Cutaneous Papillomas?

They are caused by Equus caballus papillomavirus type 1.

How are Cutaneous Papillomas transmitted?

Via direct contact and fomites, especially during shows.

What are the clinical signs of Cutaneous Papillomas?

Multiple small papillomas, usually painless.

How are Cutaneous Papillomas diagnosed?

Clinically; biopsy if atypical.

What is the treatment for Cutaneous Papillomas?

Often self-limiting; may require chemical cautery or cryosurgery.

Are Cutaneous Papillomas reportable or zoonotic?

No, they are not reportable or zoonotic.

What does biosecurity include in the context of equine diseases?

Protocol to prevent the spread of diseases among horses.

What are common vectors for transmitting equine viral diseases?

Mosquitoes and blood-sucking insects.

What is the importance of vaccination in equine health?

Vaccines protect against serious viral diseases and some zoonotic risks.

What should be monitored in horses after vaccination?

Monitor for adverse reactions and ensure booster schedules are followed.

What role do technicians have in educating horse owners?

Teach about vaccination schedules, biosecurity measures, and signs of disease.

How often should core vaccines be administered?

Core vaccines should be given annually.

What is the significance of high fever (>106°F) in equine diseases?

It often indicates a severe infectious process requiring veterinary evaluation.

What indicates the need for isolation in equine diseases?

Presence of clinical signs suggestive of contagious diseases.

How can horse owners manage their horses' health effectively?

By regular vet visits, maintaining vaccination schedules, and practicing good biosecurity.

What are common signs indicating a horse might be sick?

Changes in appetite, behavior, or signs of infection such as fever or discharge.