Basic Health & Care Information

Minimum Standards of Care: written guidelines for the basic legal requirements for equines in Maryland : PDF file

Infectious diseases

• EHV-1 (Equine Herpes Virus) - also known as rhino or Rhinopneumonitis. Frequently Asked Questions Equine Herpes Virus-1 offers a good overview.
  
• EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis) - protozoa infection which causes neurological problems including lameness, asymmetrical muscle atrophy. AskTheVet Blog includes a good list of links.

• Strangles (Streptococcus equi) - common, contagious disease of horses. "The disease is characterized by severe inflammation of the mucosa of the head and throat, with extensive swelling and often rupture of the lymph nodes, which produces large amounts of thick, creamy pus." - FactSheet from Ministry Ag Ontario

• DISEASE CONTROL: The best way to control the spread of infectious disease is through quarantine and biosecurity measures. Guidelines on "How to Control EHV" are worth reading.

Genetic diseases

• EPSM (Equine Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy) - metabolic muscle disease which may affect drafts or draft crosses. Read Dr. Valentine's report at Rural Heritage.

• HERDA : a skin disease. The glue that holds the layers of skin together does not work properly. A simple recessive genetic disease linked to the Poco Bueno lines. Read more on TheHorse.

• HYPP -metabolic/muscle disease linked to Impressive quarterhorse lines. Read more on AllAbout.

Other diseases

• Canker - hoof disease which rots the foot.