to show or not to show: baby with warts

[Pennywell_Bay]

The virus that causes warts (equine papilloma virus) is contagious, warts are not. Actually, warts is common in a lot of species, dogs as well- which is totally gross btw.

By the time you have warts appear, exposure has been 3-4 weeks and the horse has generally shed the virus or on the way to immunity. Outbreaks occur in groups if you have herd turnout etc, share buckets blah blah.

Some babies get it, some don’t. Some babies never get it and as they get older, their immune systems are no longer susceptible. Basically, you have to ride it out until it clears their system (usually 30-90 days but up to 1 year).

It’s pretty harmless. I did my thesis on a DNA virus that is related but not so nice.

If your baby has warts, you are prob not at risk for spreading the virus.

[Kyzteke]

[QUOTE=ThreeFigs;7138173]
Every youngster gets warts. No biggie.[/QUOTE]

Not EVERY youngster. I’ve had one case in some 14-15 yrs of breeding. That was 3 yrs ago and none of the foals who came after have had them. But I tend to keep a pretty closed herd. And we have extremes of weather, so if the virus does live inthe soil, maybe our hard winters kill them off.

Either way, I saw more of them when I was back East then here…not sure if that means anything.

[Ticker]

By itself, I do agree the virus may not be a big deal as I have already stated.

What about this virus being identified as a stepping stone to sarcoids, aural plaques in the ears and potentially genital cancers?

Not an expert, just asking.

[Pennywell_Bay]

^^^^ it is rare but yes.

[scheherazadetbmare]

Hmm, in olden days, I dated a lot of male lifeguards, and none had warts, LOL. Try chlorine, and if it does not work, try the wart freezing stuff you find at the drug store. It works fine. For humans and horses. And warts are “supposed” to be contagious.