11/20/2025
As many of you are likely aware, there has been an Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) outbreak that has recently been reported in Texas and Oklahoma. The outbreak is believed to have originated at the WPRA event in Waco, Texas, and so far, two positive cases have since been confirmed at the BFA in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Although these cases are outside of California, and there are currently no confirmed cases in California. It is essential that horse owners remain vigilant and take proactive measures to reduce the risk of further spread.
If you were at either of these events or have been in contact with anyone who was, we strongly recommend the following precautions:
Watch for clinical signs of sickness:
- Fever
- Nasal discharge
- Lethargy
- Hind end weakness or incoordination
- Loss of tail tone or urine dribbling
Quarantine: If your horses—or any horses on your property—have recently traveled out of state to an event, please implement a quarantine period of 14–28 days.
- All exposed horses should have temperatures taken 2 times a day and notify a vet if anything is over 101.5F.
Strengthen barn biosecurity: EHV‑1 is highly contagious and can be spread through nose to nose contact, airborne droplets from cough or sneeze, shared buckets or tack, and human contact after handling exposed horses.
- No nose-to-nose contact
- Disinfect equipment: buckets, trailers, tack, grooming tools
- Wash hands between horses and use dedicated clothing/boots around newly arrived or sick horses.
*For ALL horse owners: *
Limit travel: It is our current recommendation to avoid traveling out of state or participating in any large equine gatherings over the next couple of weeks. We also recommend restricting exposure to horses who have been out of the state recently.
- This is a dynamic situation and will likely change in the coming days. We will continue to post updates as we are made aware.
Stay informed:
Monitor updates from veterinary authorities and remain attentive to any changes in your horses’ health.
- https://equinediseasecc.org/alerts
Booster vaccines: While vaccines don’t prevent the neurologic form, they do help reduce viral shedding and respiratory disease. If your horses have not been vaccinated in the last 3 months, we recommend boostering with a flu/rhino vaccine to help prevent further spread.
** Important for Upcoming Appointments at Paso Robles Equine **
As of now we will continue to see in-clinic patients as scheduled.
- Please contact us before arrival if you feel your horses have been exposed or are acting sick.
- We ask that upon arrival you leave your horse on the trailer and check in before unloading.
If you have specific questions or require guidance, please contact our office at 805-748-4004
For more information on Equine Herpesvirus, here are a few helpful links!
https://aaep.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/EHV_FAQ_for_Owners_Final.pdf
https://aaep.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/EHV1-4-guidelines-2021.pdf
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/pdfs/Equine_EHMbrochure.pdf
https://horseandrider.com/featured-articles/waco-texas-ehv-equine-herpesvirus-outbreak/
