11/21/2025
⚠️WARNING ATTENTION EVERYONE PLEASE READ ESPECIALLY HORSE OWNERS⚠️
hey everyone! i am sure all of you have heard of the recent outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) in Texas and now spreading to other states and all over the country warning us all no matter where we live! This virus is highly contagious and can cause respiratory issues, abortions in pregnant mares (typically 3rd trimester), fever of up to 107 !!!!!! , neonatal foal death, some strains can even cause outbreaks of a severe neurological form called EHM, which can be fatal. EHV-1 causes neurological signs as a result of inflammation of the blood vessels and activation of blood coagulation within the brain and spinal cord. Neurologic signs occur as a result of a lack of blood flow and resulting damage to the brain or spinal cord this disease manifestation is known as Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM).
So be on the lookout as classic clinical signs of EHM include fever, swelling/stocking up of the limbs, hindlimb weakness, and urine dribbling. Some even severe cases can display behavioral changes, signs of cranial nerve dysfunction, seizures, and inability to stand. While EHM is very serious disease most are not fatal, in most outbreaks 60-70% of horses affected recover with the right care and treatment. Signs of EHV-1 include fever, nasal discharge, neurological symptoms, stumbling, weakness, depression, reduced appetite, leaning on objects for support, difficulty going to the bathroom, and loss of tail tone. If you think your horse might be showing symptoms do you not wait to call your vet!!!
It spreads through direct horse-to-horse via respiratory secretions, aerosol droplets (up to 30 ft or 50 meters) and even indirectly through contaminated buckets, stalls, trailers, objects like equipment (tack, grooming tools), and even humans, humans hands, clothing, shoes, etc. Humans cannot get sick from this virus but can act as carriers, spreading it to horses. The virus can be spread from infected horses, or from horses that have been stressed and have a latent virus that has been reactivated. So PLEASE use extra precaution and wash your hands, clothes, and shoes after handling horses, especially if in contact with a sick horse. Quarantine new or returning horses for 3-4 weeks to monitor for symptoms. Regularly disinfect and clean, such as stalls, trailers, shared equipment. You can use 1 part bleach to 10 parts water as it is effective against the virus. Avoid sharing feed buckets, water buckets, tack, brushes, anything that is not yours and your horses ESPECIALLY at events!!!! And prevent nose to nose contact.
There is currently 7 cases of EHM PCR positive with neurological signs in Texas, 3 in Oklahoma, & 3 in Louisiana. 1 case of EHV-1 PCR positive with no neurological signs in Oklahoma, and 1 in Colorado.
We care a lot about our horses, and our boarders. These horses are our livelihood, our pets, even to some of us our children, we have young ones, old ones, even some on the way so please keep this in mind do not be careless and just walk into other people barns. stay home, it is not that important to win that $2 dollar ribbon, or that trophy especially when your at a greater risk of loosing your horse and putting others in danger!
Greatly Appreciated - Heather & Natalee ❤️
