11/19/2025
Veterinary Hospital of New Waverly would like to notify horse owners about the current outbreak of EHV-1 (Equine Herpes Virus - 1) in the state of Texas. Currently there are around a dozen potential cases and probably a number of unreported cases. What should I do as a horse owner?1. Avoid transport of horses if at all possible.2. If you have been traveling, check temperatures of your horses every 12 hours. If temp is above 101.5 F please contact us immediately.3. If you must travel, do not share water buckets, tack, stalls, or any other fomites. Isolate your horses from other horses as best as you can. If any of your horses begin to run fever isolate them immediately and contact a veterinarian. 4. If you must use community items, disinfect before using. EHV-1 is typically a respiratory disease that is typically non-life threatening but can infect the central nervous system and cause EHM (Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy) which is life threatening.We recommend vaccinating your horses for EHV or administer booster if it has been over 90 days since last vaccination for EHV. Vaccines will not treat a horse already exposed and it is reported that the vaccine does not prevent EHV from becoming EHM, but they can certainly protect from contracting and/or reduce the severity.If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the hospital.Thank you and stay safe out there.Dr. Steve VanWagnerVeterinary Hospital of New Waverly(936) 344-8469
