The spread of Equine Herpes Virus 1 (EHV-1)—the infectious disease most dreaded by horse owners—can now be readily prevented with the routine use of Virkon® S disinfectant. A DuPont product, Virkon® S is certified as effective against EHV-1 and EHV-3—as well as against more than 50 other equine pathogens.

EHV-1 is a highly infectious virus primarily affecting a horse’s respiratory system. While the virus has long plagued the equine industry, the need for an effective deterrent was acutely brought to the forefront when a major outbreak of EHV-1 occurred in 2006.According to Geoffrey Allison, President of 5/A Baker Products—the exclusive distributor of Virkon® S to the equine community—the outbreak began when a group of infected horses were shipped from Germany to eight U.S. states. Five went to Florida where they subsequently infected 13 horses, resulting in six deaths. Ten Florida equine facilities had to be quarantined. The outbreak spread to several other states before it was brought under control.

According to experts, the virus is transmitted through both direct and indirect contact with infected horses, and can be spread via water buckets, feed bins, tack, grooming equipment and even on the hands and feet of those caring for the animals. The disease is transmitted between horses mainly by direct nose-to-nose contact, involving nasal discharge—or through the air by sneezing.

The virus is particularly hard to manage because a horse may become latently infected and not display symptoms for years after infection. Up to 80 percent of horses are latently infected with EHV-1. The virus often becomes activated by periods of stress caused by training, competition, transportation and environmental factors. Carriers are not infectious unless the virus is activated.

Allison says the virus is often spread via contaminated stalls or transport trailers. “At the time of the Florida outbreak, there was no disinfectant product specifically certified as effective against the virus. Decontaminating stalls or trailers was a hit-and-miss effort at best. Now, with Virkon® S, we can completely prevent the spread of EHV-1.”

Equine experts currently recommend a comprehensive decontamination program using Virkon® S—covering everything from stalls and trailers to water buckets, feed bins, tack and grooming equipment—as the answer to keeping possible infections in check.

Representatives of 5/A Baker Products have been effectively marketing Virkon® S to commercial horse transporters, working closely with the membership of the National Horse Carriers Association and the American Horse Carriers Association. Numerous stables around the country have already started proactive disease prevention regimes built around the use of Virkon® S. In fact, beginning in 2008, stalls at HITS Thermal and HITS Ocala will be treated with Virkon® S. HITS property management teams in Ocala, Florida, and Thermal, California, are currently being trained in sanitation procedures using Virkon® S in anticipation of the winter circuits.

Independent testing has proven Virkon® S to be effective against equine herpes and influenza viruses, as well as a number of other pathogens. “The proven effectiveness of Virkon® S offers the horse owner confidence,” adds Allison. “After all, it’s all about equine safety, comfort and peace of mind.”

Available in tablet or powder form, Virkon® S is designed to be dissolved in water for easy spray application. Virkon® S is available through equine mail-order companies such as Dover Saddlery and SmartPak Equine, or may be ordered at www.virkonstablets.com. For detailed product information, contact 5/A Baker Products at 800-255-9684.