11/19/2025
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We have received numerous phone calls today from clients with concerns about the ongoing situation involving multiple horses testing positive for EHV-1/EHM within our state. Below we have listed some information regarding the disease.
Equine herpesvirus, commonly referred to as EHV-1 or rhinopneumonitis, is a group of highly contagious viruses found in horses. EHV-1 spreads through direct horse-to-horse contact, respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, shared water/buckets/tack, or objects/humans that have come into contact with an infected horse. The average incubation period is 2-10 days, and the virus can be shed during this timeframe. Horses that become infected with EHV become lifelong carriers and can shed the disease during times of stress and/or illness. Respiratory cases usually recover in several weeks, but neurologic cases are much more costly to treat and can have a mortality rate as high as 50-75%. A horse does not have to be exhibiting clinical signs to be shedding EHV, which makes quarantine and good biosecurity an essential part in minimizing spread. Wash your hands frequently and change clothes after visiting other barns/horses. Do not share feeding/watering devices, grooming tools, and tack such as bits. Fever is often the earliest indicator of infection so taking a re**al temperature twice daily, especially if the horse has attended a high traffic event in the last 2 weeks, is highly recommended. A re**al temperature of 101.5F or higher is cause for concern, especially if accompanied by any other clinical signs. Owners are advised to reach out to your veterinarian immediately if symptoms appear.
๐พ๐ก๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ก ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐จ:
โ Fever (often the earliest and most consistent sign)
โ Nasal Discharge
โ Cough
โ Depression/Lethargy
โ Urine Dribbling/Difficulty Urinating
โ Hind-Limb Weakness/Incoordination
โ Loss of Tail Tone
โ Head Tilt
โ Recumbency
โ Abortion
๐๐ช๐๐ง๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐:
Horses that are returning from any of the events with positive cases should enter strict quarantine for 14-21 days and should not travel or come into contact with other horses during this time.
๐๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐จ:
Vaccination is not recommended for exposed horses. Horses that have not been exposed should receive a booster if they have not been vaccinated in the last 3 months.
๐๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น๐บ. ๐๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ. ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฒ.
