According to scientists, say, more basic research needs to be carried out for understaning the molecular basis of the neurologic form of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1).

The recent EHV-1 outbreak in western US states centred on a cutting horse event at Ogden, Utah, early in May, has lead to the importance of equine infectious disease research being highlighted.

Udeni Balasuriya, a professor of virology at University of Kentucky’s Gluck Centre, said the development of neurological disease in particular horses is possibly influenced by a variety of virus, host, and environmental factors.

He said, for understanding the molecular basis of the neurologic form of equine herpes virus-1 infection, more research is necessary, with scientists working together on EHV-1 worldwide.

The outbreak stretching as far as Canada, also made an appearance in Europe where a significant number of EHV-1 outbreaks were also this year, with some affected horses exhibiting respiratory and neurologic signs.

As well, sporadic cases of EHV-1 abortions and occasional cases of infection in neo-natal foals were also reported.

In 1993, the animal equivalent of the World Health Organisation i.e. the Office International des Epizooties, designated the Gluck Centre as a World Reference Centre for three important equine viral diseases, such as, equine rhinopneumonitis (equine herpesvirus 1 and 4).

Currently, Gluck Centre has several equine herpes virus research projects are under way, with one on EHV-1 ‘Molecular characterization of neuro-virulent EHV-1 strains’, of which Balasuriya is the principal investigator.