Borna virus danger in Havelland: Protect your horses now!

Borna virus danger in Havelland: Protect your horses now!

The Borna virus infection, also known as Borna disease, is casting its shadow over horse husbandry in Germany. Dr. Claudia Herrmann, official veterinarian in the Havelland district, provides information about the serious health risks and the necessary precautionary measures that horse owners should now take. What is particularly alarming is the fact that this disease is usually fatal and is currently widespread in several federal states, including Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Hamburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg, Saxony, Thuringia and Bavaria. According to maz-online.de, there are no cases in Havelland yet given, but many owners are worried and on guard.

What are the symptoms? The most common signs of a Borna virus infection are fever, personality changes, movement disorders and behavioral problems. These symptoms may appear after an incubation period of two to six months and then progress rapidly. Affected horses often die within a few weeks or months. There is currently no cure for the disease, which is particularly concerning for many horse ownership situations.

Transmission routes and risk group

According to tiermedizinportal.de, virus transmission occurs via air, direct contact as well as saliva and body fluids of infected animals. Horses and sheep are particularly at risk. The tree shrew acts as a reservoir of the virus, it carries it without symptoms and can contribute to the contamination of the environment. Even though the disease mainly occurs in animals, people are also at risk in isolated cases, as shown by the sad incidents from Bavaria, where a man died in June 2025 after becoming infected with the virus.

This situation leaves no room for negligence. Dr. Herrmann strongly advises horse owners to consult a veterinarian immediately if symptoms are suspected. Comprehensive hygiene measures are particularly important in areas where the virus has already been detected. This includes, among other things, the control of rodents, careful monitoring of feeding and watering points and basic hygiene in the stable.

Protective measures and the role of the holder

In order to prevent possible infection, owners should pay more attention to stable hygiene and prevent rodent infestation at an early stage. The disposal of dead animals should also be carried out under extreme precautions: it is recommended to wear rubber gloves, FFP2 masks and safety glasses. According to rnd.de, there is no known treatment or vaccine against bornavirus for humans and medical care is limited to supportive measures.

The Havelland district is following the situation closely and is in contact with the Friedrich Loeffler Institute and the state investigation offices. The veterinarians concerned are required to report suspected cases promptly. While some owners continue to raise concerns about other viral diseases such as herpes and West Nile virus, Bornavirus infection remains a serious issue that is far from disappearing from the agenda.

Overall, this situation calls on horse owners in the region to remain vigilant. It is important to pay attention to the symptoms and, if necessary, act quickly so as not to endanger the well-being of our four-legged friends.