11/20/2025
Multi-State Equine Herpesvirus Outbreak:
The Georgia State Veterinarian’s Office is aware of an outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1)/ Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in horses that were at or associated with barrel racing and rodeo-type events in Texas and Oklahoma within the last 3 weeks.
We do not have any confirmed cases of EHV/EHM in Georgia at this time and will follow up on any traces or reports to mitigate further spread of the disease.
Horse Owners: If your horses traveled to Texas, Oklahoma, or other equine events where EHV/EHM exposure may have occurred:
Isolate for 21 days after last known exposure.
Appropriate isolation includes restricted access to other horses, avoiding the sharing of equipment or personnel, and utilization of protective barrier precautions.
Monitor horses twice daily for elevated temperature (above 101.5*), respiratory signs (nasal discharge, coughing), and for clinical signs consistent with EHM (neurologic symptoms including inability to stand, difficulty walking, lethargy, and urine dribbling).
If ANY signs are noted, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Upcoming equine events: Equine herpes virus can be shed for prolonged periods of time, including in clinically healthy horses, which increases risk for continued disease spread during a EHV/EHM outbreak.
Event Organizers: Consult with your veterinarian and understand the risks associated with hosting equine events during a multi-state outbreak. Cancellation or postponement of events is voluntary at this time but may be important to stop continued spread of disease. If events do take place, we recommend increasing biosecurity practices on site and prohibiting horses that have recently participated in events with known EHV/EHM cases.
Horse Owners: Consult with your veterinarian on the risks associated with travel to upcoming equine events. EHV is a ubiquitous virus and commonly present in the environment, so biosecurity measures are critical to decreasing potential for disease transmission.
Interstate Movement: Please note that many states may be implementing movement restrictions or new import requirements for equines during this outbreak. Please always check with the state of destination to ensure that you are following import restrictions.
Equine Herpes Virus Information:
EHV‐1 is spread from horse to horse through contact with nasal discharge or spread as aerosol droplets. Infected horses may not show clinical signs of the virus but may still act as carriers. Horses can also contract the virus by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces such as stalls, water, feed, tack, and transport vehicles. People can spread the virus from horse to horse by contaminated hands and clothing. It is important for owners to watch for signs and symptoms and practice biosecurity measures. Good biosecurity practices include extensive cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment that come in contact with affected horses, and individuals who treat or come into contact with infected horses need to follow appropriate disinfection protocols when handling multiple horses.
