Currently, there is no effective drug treatment of EHV-1 infection. Good stud management and hygiene are therefore the most useful tools in disease control. The Horse Race Betting Levy Board produces Codes of Practice for the prevention and control of important equine diseases such as Equine Herpesvirus. These codes outline the minimum measures which should be implemented by horse owners, in conjunction with their veterinary surgeons, as a means of limiting and resolving disease outbreaks. The main aims of the control measures outlined in the Codes of Practice are to avoid exposure of susceptible horses to infection, and to minimise reactivation of latent virus.
Stress is an important factor in the reactivation of latent virus in carriers.
Unnecessary stresses such as prolonged transport should be avoided during late pregnancy. Any horse or pony can be a source of virus, even if apparently healthy. Pregnant mares should therefore be kept separately from all other stock. Any mare that aborts or produces a dead or sickly foal must be isolated immediately and veterinary advice should be sought. Other pregnant mares must be prevented from coming into contact with the aborted fetus, placenta and fluids, as these are a major source of infectious virus.