11/19/2025
EHV-1 Outbreak in the United States. Wisconsin has limited exposure but exposure none the less and confirmed case(s). More info below.
OPTIMUM EQUINE PERFORMANCE takes biosecurity seriously. Sick horses will not be serviced. I will continue to sanitize equipment after every location. I will be spraying and sanitizing my mobile wagon and bags. I will be changing clothes between barns and sanitizing footwear. I will not be able to see horses that were at the spreading events until quarentine is over. If you have questions, please ask. We will be praying for the horses exposed, the horses lost, and their families. Hug your ponies!
WHAT IS EQUINE HERPESVIRUS “EHV”?
Equine herpesvirus (EHV), sometimes called equine rhinopneumonitis, is a highly contagious family of viruses found in horses worldwide. Nine strains of EHV are recognized, but three pose the greatest disease risk in the U.S.:
EHV-1 is the most concerning strain, capable of causing:
Fever
Respiratory illness
Abortion in pregnant mares
Neurological disease (EHM)
EHM (equine herpes myeloencephalopathy) is the neurological manifestation of EHV-1. It occurs when the virus affects blood vessels in the spinal cord and brain, leading to:
Hind-end weakness
Incoordination or stumbling
Difficulty urinating
Loss of tail tone
Inability to stand (recumbency)
EHM can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention.