EHV stands for Equid alphaHerpes Virus, of which there are a number of strains. The two most common are EHV1 and EHV4. EHV 1 presents itself most often as a respiratory disease in younger horses, but can also cause pregnant mares to abort and in the worst case cause neurological disease in horses of any age and sex – for which there is NO vaccine.
EHV is a silent killer – it can lay dormant for years in lymphatic and neurological tissues. Horses can be carriers of the disease while displaying NO clinical signs. However, when the horse does present signs they appear firstly in the form of a mild fever or runny nose. In typical ‘opportunistic’ fashion, this is commonly in response to a ‘stress event’ or when the horse has become immuno-suppressed. Typically post TRAVEL or COMPETITION STRESS. It is at this point the Virus awakes.
Firstly, we need to understand how the Virus travels and spreads – and most commonly it is transmitted via nasal secretions - both airborne infectious particles from nasal discharge and coughing (no more than approx. 20 ft) so reduction in close contact reduces risk. STAY PUT / STAY DISTANT. One of the errors that were made looking back to Valencia last year was that people panicked and went home, which then spread the virus.
EHV can remain stable and infectious for up to 7 days on materials such as wood/paper/leather but up to 35 DAYS on things like hession fabric and HORSE MANE & TAIL HAIR (and horses swish their tails!) thus transferring particles into the atmosphere. FOMITES – these are objects that when contaminated can transfer the virus onto a new host. This can be human clothing / equipment / Transport / grooming tools / Feed, bedding & water buckets…and WATER ITSELF.
It is proven that WATER acts as a vector for EHV – many viruses have adapted to survive the harsh environment of the intestinal tract, so stands to reason they can survive in water…and across a broad temperature between 4-30 degrees C.
The INDEX HORSE – this is the horse that sparks the outbreak. The horse develops mild fever, starts shedding millions of EHV virus particles through respiratory secretions via coughing, snorting, nasal discharge onto surfaces and FOMITES. – these then TRAVEL.
With the transmission of the disease via inanimate objects and nasal discharge two things are very important:
Aspergillus is part of the fungus family and can be responsible for airway restriction in horses that can lead to unexplained under-performance in racing, eventing or general exercise. The inflammation of the lung can result in horses 'stopping' during a race. The horse can contract this through the ingestion of spores or via airborne means.
Strangles is HIGHLY contagious and if you have ever treated or witnessed cases in your horse then you will appreciate just how serious it can be. Cases of strangles occur more commonly than most realise, because given an outbreak in a yard the owners will do everything to isolate the horses and prevent outsiders from observing the visually shocking symptoms. Strep is hardy and can live on numerous surfaces as well as in the air.
Another fungus, from which spores can become airborn and manifests itself as a circular shape infection apparent on the horses body. The spores can live in timber for long periods of time, so stables with wooden infrastructure are good candidates for the 'fogging' process to be sure of total surface application.
Staphylococcus is a Zoonotic infection (it can be passed from animal to human) and studies from veterinary practices have found cases to have been transferred from horses to humans.
As most of us involved in the Equine world will remember all too recently, the outbreak of Equine Influenza brought everything to a halt in 2018. We saw how damaging and infectious this can be not only to the horses themselves, but to the whole infrastructure of our sport and livelihoods that are linked to it.
Many of the bacteria and viruses can survive on inanimate objects and surfaces, so it is vital that we treat the areas and objects that come into contact with the horse such as saddles, bridles and lorry partitions.
All the products are manufactured to a Medical Grade standard, 100% biodegradable and Organic compliant, yet are highly effective in eradicating all Equine bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores – proven in laboratory and field trials. Used by some of the top equestrian professionals in the country and beyond – from racing, breeding, eventing, dressage and top veterinary practices…the commitment to environmental health and infection control should be at the forefront of any horse owners agenda.
In providing this suite of products, we are able to offer a 360 degree solution to Bio-Security in treating AIR / SURFACE & WATER, whether that be at home or on the move. When it comes to using disinfectant, great care must be taken to avoid the toxicity of the commonly available products – we have taken care of all the science and done the homework, so you don’t have to.
Each class of disinfectant has its own advantages and
disadvantages. When choosing a disinfectant, factors such as microbiological
spectrum and ease of application must be considered. Adverse effects such human
health risks, environmental concerns as well as corrosivity, and risk of
discolouring should be taken into account.
In response to this the salient points of our product :
The Service
Biofilm is notoriously difficult to eradicate with common place disinfectants.
Bio films appear to be the most common lifestyle of various pathogens and their formation has been acknowledged as a key factor in their virulence. The clinical repercussions and indisputable medical relevance has led to an increasing amount of attention on the subject and the capacity of existing disinfectants to disrupt biofilms deserves thorough investigation.
The efficacy of EBG Water Treatment against the formation of bio films in water systems, as well as the eradication of preformed bio films by Equine Bio Genie disinfectant has been scientifically investigated by independent research facilities.
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Water serves four major functions in your horses body: regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, removing waste, and digesting, absorbing, and using nutrients. Horses that do not drink enough water are at risk of poor performance, poor organ function and colic.
A horse deprived of feed, but supplied drinking water, is capable of surviving 20 to 25 days. A horse deprived of water may only live up to 3 or 6 days.
All horses need clean, good-quality water at all times. Outdoor water troughs should be kept clean and clear of debris and algae. Still water buckets should be emptied and rinsed daily.
Water consumption during winter months is just as critical to our horses health. The body of an adult horse is approximately 62-68% water (about 70% water in foals). Proper hydration is essential to horse’s fluid balance.
Like every living system, water balance is a matter of constant regulation, fine tuning and replenishment. Water loss, for whatever reason, needs to be matched with water intake, and it is the rate of loss which ultimately drives the system. Too much intake is relatively easily sorted – increased urination – but too little creates a while range of problems and degrees of severity.
Watch here how it works!
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EBG Water Treatment also provides a waste reduction in terms of less water being disposed of and it is very environmentally friendly due to its harmless decomposition products (water and oxygen).
It re-oxygenates the water where algae and living organisms such as micro-organisms (bacteria) deplete the water of oxygen…and in so doing rendering the water more clear. Not forgetting hopefully saving on vets bills!
How does it work?
EBG Water Treatment works by preventing the formation of bio-film in the water ‘container/trough’ which is resistant to things like chlorine and in itself can release toxins, odour, and can harbour harmful bacteria.
Through its combination of ionic silver and hydrogen peroxide the two elements break down the pathogens and release oxygen keeping the water clear and pure with no chemical residue in the water, complying with a fraction of the permitted levels of H202 in drinking water.
What is the green slime in my water trough/bucket?
This is called bio film and is what houses bacteria. There are very few products that can eliminate bio film. EBG Water Treatment will prevent the bio film from coming back so no more slimy troughs or buckets!
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Streptococcus is the bacteria that causes the Strangles disease – and while most of us are familiar with how a horse presents this condition, we are naïve to the conditions in which this bacteria can survive and for how long.
Strep (strangles) can live in water in the right conditions for up to 6 weeks. Given that water is essential, and many of our horses will share communal drinking sources it is vital that we keep our water ‘biosecure’ – and our water treatment is the perfect wway to achieve this.
We offer a very economical, safe and effective solution for treating water – and while the treatment keeps the water free of harmful bacteria, it also will prevent the formation of algae and thus preventing the water from turning green. A useful time saving addition.
100 ml per 100 litres of water every 2-3 weeks will keep your water clean and clear.
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