11/19/2025
β οΈ Texas EHV Cases: What Horse Owners Need to Know
There is a confirmed exposure risk for horses that attended the WPRA Finals November 5th-9th or the 377 Arena on November 15th- 16th. If your horse was at either location call your veterinary to discuss quarantine action.
Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) is highly contagious- now is the time to stay informed and proactive. Vaccination can decrease symptoms and shedding of this virus but does not prevent this disease or its incubation. If you have had an exposed horse do not vaccinate until cleared with your veterinary and remain in quarantine for at least 14 days.
π Early Signs to Watch For
β’ Fever β often the earliest indicator (check temperatures twice daily)
β’ Lethargy / decreased appetite
β’ Nasal discharge or cough
β’ Incoordination, hind-end weakness, stumbling
β’ Urine dribbling or inability to urinate
β’ Tail weakness
If any neurologic signs appear, consider this an emergency and contact your veterinarian immediately.
π¦ How EHV Spreads
EHV spreads through:
β’ Direct horse-to-horse contact
β’ Respiratory droplets
β’ Contaminated tack, buckets, grooming tools
β’ Human hands and clothing
β’ Airflow within barns (short distances)
π‘οΈ Prevention & Biosecurity
β’ Isolate any horse with fever or respiratory signs
β’ Temperature checks twice daily for all horses during an outbreak
β’ Separate equipment (lead ropes, feed buckets, grooming tools)
β’ Limit movement on/off property; postpone hauling and high risk events if possible
β’ Disinfect stalls, trailers, and shared equipment regularly
β’ Wash hands & change clothes between groups of horses
β’ Vaccinate routinely β while vaccines donβt prevent neurologic EHM, they reduce viral shedding and respiratory disease.
β’ Quarantine new arrivals for 14β21 days
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https://aaep.org/resource/aaep-infectious-disease-guidelines-equine-herpesvirus-1-4/
π When in Doubt β Call
Know your horses vaccination status and remember rapid response limits spread. If your horse spikes a fever or seems βoff,β regardless of their vaccination status early testing and isolation make all the difference.
We have seen ZERO cases at BE but in an abundance of caution we have enacted our additional biosecurity protocols for your horses safety. Please see front office to check in before unloading appointments at this time.
Stay vigilant, stay informed, and keep your herd safe.