The Big Talk Going Around...
Just like humans, the equine has viruses that can spread throughout the barn. There have been equine case studies reported on having Equine Coronavirus but, they are as early as the beginning of the 2000s.
Overview
The American Association of Equine Practitioners discusses the Equine Coronavirus, ECoV- and what to look for. A simple definition of the coronavirus is a "large group of RNA viruses that causes both respiratory and enteric signs of disease" (Animal Health Diagnostic Center of Cornell University). There are different groups based on genetic and serologic differences.
Identifying the clinical signs first will help to lower the spread throughout your herd. Having a clean and well-maintained area where your animals live is key due to the organism prospering in its manure. Even though the summer has cases, there has been more reported in the colder months in the Northeast areas.
Looking more in-depth, Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) has seen a rise in outbreaks since 2010. Commonly, the virus has been seen in horses older than two years but can be seen in foals reporting to have other co-infections associated with it.
Transmission
Equine tend to transmit diseases through the spread of their feces. This could be transmitted when they make oral contact with say any surface or object that was contaminated with the infected horse's fecal matter; items such as muck forks, manure spreaders, thermometers, and clothing. AAEP stated that the most commonly found item with the virus is human winter clothing. There also is a chance of entering the nasal secretions with a horse that already has a fever and respiratory disease but the chances are very low compared to the earlier described method.
The recommended isolation time for the horse should be 2-4 days according to the AAEP; unless they are moving the infected horse from facility to facility, then it should be isolated for 3 weeks. A horse that has been introduced to the virus starts showing signs within a 48-72 hour time frame and takes 3-21 days for the fecal shedding, which is the same time frame for the peek shedding. There are chances when testing, especially during the early stages of the horse showing the clinical signs, that the test could come back negative even if they have it.
Clinical Signs
The common symptoms are;
- A 101.5° - 105° F fever
- Lack of appetite/anorexia
- Lethargy/laying down frequently/mild-colic symptoms
- Fecal matter changes (has a soft form, the severe cases [rare] show profuse diarrhea)
- Leukopenia (A low count of white blood cells)
- Hypoalbuminemia (The level of albumin in the blood is low)
- Irregular neurological signs (ataxia, depression, and recumbency) secondary to hyperammonemia (A metabolic disturbance characterized by an excess of ammonia in the blood)
Treatment
Treatments can include fluid therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. The more severe cases may require hospitalization for IV fluid treatment or treatment for secondary infections. Currently, there is still no known vaccine for the Equine Coronavirus leaving other equine animals susceptible.
There are preventative steps that can be taken to mitigate the spread. Maintaining high standards of sanitation for all stalls, tools, work clothes, and careful disposal of the manure. A few disinfectants that are effective include sodium hypochlorite, povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine gluconate, phenols, quaternary ammonium compounds, and peroxygen compounds stated by Animal Health Diagnostic Center of Cornell University. Cleaning and sanitizing items and surfaces from the contaminated manure will help prevent the spread to continue throughout the facility.
With viruses no matter for animals or humans, there is always a process on how to care for and prevent it from spreading. Stay safe and wishing everyone a safe year!
Resources
Below are links to learn more about the ECoV-.
American Association of Equine Practitioners. “Coronavirus, ECoV-.” Equine Disease Communication Center: Disease Factsheet, 2017, aaep.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Outside%20Linked%20Documents/DiseaseFactsheet_CoronavirusFINAL%20Cobranded%20.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1RpiFD6-41bkTIrnK6i9gvgP6T-AEpRoPhHN2KR10VhFjwgTcsGSS0hzg.
“Equine Enteric Coronavirus.” Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 2 May 2019, www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/veterinary-support/disease-information/equine-enteric-coronavirus.