11/21/2025
⚠️ Update as of 11/21/25: The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) reports that there are currently no confirmed cases of EHV/EHM in Ohio.
ODA is coordinating with affected states and awaiting trace information from Texas and Oklahoma. If any traced exposures involve Ohio horses, ODA will contact owners directly and issue quarantines as appropriate to help mitigate further disease spread.
This multi-state outbreak is an important reminder of the disease risks associated with large commingling equine events. It highlights the importance of timely disease reporting and adherence to movement requirements, including veterinary inspections and health certificates prior to travel.
Horse Owners:
EHV/EHM is a reportable disease in Ohio. If your horses traveled to Texas, Oklahoma, or other equine events where EHV exposure may have occurred, please contact ODA directly at 614-728-6220 for guidance on isolation and monitoring.
Exposed horses should be isolated for 21 days after last-known exposure and isolation should include restricted access to other horses, avoiding shared equipment or personnel, and using appropriate protective barriers.
Monitor exposed horses twice daily for fever above 101.5°F, respiratory signs (nasal discharge, coughing), and clinical signs associated with equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM), such as difficulty walking, lethargy, inability to stand, or urine dribbling.
If any of these signs are observed, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Upcoming Equine Events:
EHV can be shed for prolonged periods of time — even by horses that appear clinically healthy — which increases the risk of continued spread during an outbreak.
Interstate Movement:
Many states may implement movement restrictions or new import requirements for equines during this outbreak. Always check the destination state’s current requirements before traveling.
About EHV/EHM:
EHV-1 is spread through contact with nasal discharge or aerosol droplets and can persist on contaminated surfaces such as stalls, feed, tack and transport vehicles. People may also spread the virus via contaminated hands and clothing. Good biosecurity —thorough cleaning and disinfection, proper handling protocols, and limiting contact with affected horses — is essential to reduce transmission.
Stay up to date using the Equine Disease Communication Center web page: https://equinediseasecc.org/equine-herpesvirus
Use AAEP biosecurity guidelines:https://aaep.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/AAEP-General-Biosecurity-Guidelines_1.pdf
If you have questions beyond what we've shared in this post, please give our office a call at (614) 292-6661.
