The New Brunswick government is urging horse owners to take immediate precautions following a potential exposure to equine herpesvirus. Officials issued the warning after a recent horse show in Sussex. If you attended the Kings County Fair Draft Horse Show, you need to monitor your animals closely.

The Source of the Exposure

The risk stems from a specific participant at the Sussex event. Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Nicole Wanamaker explained the situation in a provincial advisory. ‘A 4H horse that participated in the event originated from the same boarding facility as another horse that was recently confirmed positive for equine herpesvirus,’ Wanamaker said. CBC News reports that the single confirmed case is located right here in New Brunswick.

Understanding the Virus

Equine herpesvirus is a viral infection that causes breathing problems, nervous system damage, and even death in young horses. Dr. Jordan Koivu owns Maritime Equine Veterinary Services. She notes that the virus spreads easily through direct physical contact. It also transmits through shared water buckets, stalls, and riding gear. The virus travels through the air and survives on surfaces for up to thirty days. Once a horse develops neurological symptoms, treatment becomes difficult and the prognosis is poor.

Impact on Local Events

The warning triggered immediate event cancellations across the region. Organizers called off harness races at Connell Park in Woodstock. The Maritime Paint Horse Club also canceled its upcoming show at Princess Louise Park in Sussex. In neighboring Nova Scotia, the Atlantic Barrel Racing Club is taking the temperature of every horse arriving at its weekend show.

Protecting Your Horse

If your horse attended the Sussex show, you must take this risk seriously. Koivu recommends quarantining potentially exposed animals away from others. You should clean and disinfect all barns, stalls, and equipment. Check your horse’s temperature twice daily and watch for unusual symptoms. Always change your clothes between handling different horses. Koivu also advises vaccinating horses every six months to reduce the severity of symptoms.

Industry Concerns

Deanna Phelan is the president of the New Brunswick Equestrian Association. She stresses that sanitation and vaccination remain vital at all times. ‘It is our job as equestrian owners, exhibitors, riders, to make sure that we keep our animals as healthy as possible,’ Phelan said. She also expressed concern over provincial plans to phase out public veterinary services. A shift to private practices leaves rural areas vulnerable to emergency vet shortages during sudden disease outbreaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is equine herpesvirus?

It is a viral strain that causes respiratory issues, neurological damage, and potentially death in horses.

How does the virus spread?

The virus spreads through direct contact, shared equipment, and the air. It survives on surfaces for up to thirty days.

What should I do if my horse was exposed?

You need to quarantine your horse, disinfect all equipment, check temperatures twice daily, and monitor for symptoms.

Are there vaccines available?

Yes. While vaccines do not fully prevent this specific strain, they reduce the severity of symptoms if an infection occurs.