Herpesvírus equino do tipo 1

This study reports a case of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) in the central region of Brazil. It is understood that equine herpesvirus is a pathogen that causes neurological changes and can spread epidemiologically, damaging the economy of the place where the animal is housed and even in the state. The virus has a worldwide distribution with some variable clinical signs and reactivation occurs in horses of any sex, age, weight and is associated with some stress factors for the horses. The available laboratory diagnostic methods for equine herpesvirus include viral isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunofluorescence for detection of viral antigens and serological tests, however the lack of data and case reports makes it difficult to assess the real magnitude of the problem and the implementation of effective control measures. The patient was a male Thoroughbred equine, used for riding, approximately 11 years old, kept in a stable, fed hay and feed. He presented neurological clinical signs such as: slight difficulty in movement, claw dragging and muscle weakness, weight loss and behavioral changes. The animal had been previously diagnosed and treated for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Laboratory tests to identify suspected EHV-1 were performed, such as viral seroneutralisation and viral inclusion investigation. This case demonstrates the importance of rapid diagnosis and correct testing to identify the disease as well as concomitant diseases.