11/21/2025
🐴 What You Should Know About Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)
With the recent EHV outbreak that began in Texas, there’s been a lot of chatter and concern — and we want to make sure our clients have clear, accurate information.
First, we want to emphasize that there are still no reported EHV cases in Virginia or surrounding states that are connected to the outbreak. We will continue to keep a close eye on this and update if this changes.
What Is EHV?
Equine Herpesvirus — most commonly EHV-1 and EHV-4 — can cause:
• Fever
• Nasal discharge / respiratory illness
• Lethargy
• Neurologic disease (EHM) in some cases
• Late-term abortion in pregnant mares
EHV is highly contagious, spreading through nose-to-nose contact, shared equipment, contaminated surfaces, and sometimes via people or trailers.
Why You're Hearing So Much About It Now
The Texas outbreak involved multiple confirmed cases, including some neurologic (EHM) cases. As affected horses and exposed horses traveled, more states have enacted temporary restrictions and increased monitoring.
Even though Virginia has no cases at this time, travel remains the biggest current risk factor.
Due to the ongoing outbreak:
🚫 EECVI (Extended Equine Certificates of Veterinary Inspection)
are temporarily suspended.
✈️ Travel now requires a standard health certificate (CVI).
This applies even if you previously used an EECVI.
📍 Each state may have its own entry requirements, and some have added new restrictions or temperature-monitoring mandates. Always check regulations before hauling. We are happy to help you navigate this.
Good biosecurity measures are ALWAYS important, especially when horses are traveling and/or new horses are coming to your property. A few reminders for keeping your horse protected if a horse on your property has traveled or been in contact with a horse that has traveled:
✔️ Isolate horses returning from travel or shows
✔️ Don’t share water buckets, tack, equipment, or trailers
✔️ Monitor temperatures daily for 10–14 days after travel
✔️ Keep vaccinations current (helps reduce severity of certain forms)
✔️ Call us if you notice fever, cough, nasal discharge, or behavior changes
We will continue closely monitoring the situation and keep you updated. If you have questions about symptoms, prevention, travel requirements, or your horse’s risk, please reach out — we’re here to help keep your horses safe.