EHV-1 Immunity

Veterinary, horse care, and training issues.

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griff
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EHV-1 Immunity

Postby griff » Fri Nov 14, 2008 9:17 am

Does a mare gain immunity for follow on years after she has contracted EHV-1 and aborted. ?

griff
"We has met the enemy and he is us" [Pogo]
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Laurierace
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Postby Laurierace » Fri Nov 14, 2008 1:07 pm

Well I am just guessing, but I think the answer is no. I believe it is a lot like the human flu with countless strains. Exposure to one strain does not provide immunity to any of the others.
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madelyn
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Postby madelyn » Fri Nov 14, 2008 2:20 pm

I'm not a scientist, but I believe the level of antiters (antibodies) in the mare would be higher for awhile after her bout of EHV. However, the problem with EHV, and why it causes abortion, is that the mare's immunities to it do NOT extend to the fetus. The reason for the over-vaccination program of 5-7-9 shots, as once explained to me by my vet, is to raise the mare's immunities to such a high level as to overpower the faintest whiff of EHV before it can strike the fetus. So I would CONTINUE to vaccinate a broodmare for EHV just as if she had never had a bout of it.
So Run for the Roses, as fast as you can.....
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griff
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Location: Yorktown, VA

Postby griff » Fri Nov 14, 2008 4:17 pm

moderation is for monks and more is better so I actually over vaccinate and give EHV-1 at 3, 5, 7, & 9 months and then admisister a five-way within 30 days of the expected foaling date..

griff
"We has met the enemy and he is us" [Pogo]
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