11/21/2025
🚨 This is an update from the Alabama USDA APHIS office. 🚨
EHV-1 Information:
The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) is closely monitoring the recent confirmed cases of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) in Texas and Oklahoma. Currently, NO cases of EHV-1 have been reported in Alabama.
If a horse attended the World Championship Barrel Racing (WPRA) Finals in Waco, Texas (November 5–9) or the Barrel Futurities of America World Championship in Guthrie, Oklahoma (November 14–18), where EHV-1 exposure has been confirmed, please take the following immediate steps:
☑️Isolate the horse(s) from all other horses for a minimum of 21 days upon return to Alabama.
☑️Monitor twice daily for clinical signs of EHV-1, including:
◾️ Fever (>101.5°F / 38.6°C)
◾️ Nasal discharge
◾️ Coughing
◾️ Neurological signs (hindlimb weakness, ataxia, toe dragging, “dog-sitting” posture, urine dribbling, or f***l incontinence)
If any of these signs are observed, immediately contact the State Veterinarian’s Office at (334) 240-7253.
EHV-1 is highly contagious and spreads primarily through direct horse-to-horse contact via respiratory secretions, aerosolized droplets, and indirect contact with contaminated equipment, water buckets, feed, tack, or human hands/clothing. Humans do not become ill from EHV-1 but can mechanically transmit the virus between horses.
Strict biosecurity remains the most effective means of preventing introduction and spread. Key measures include:
☑️ Disinfection of all shared equipment and surfaces with appropriate virucidal products.
☑️ Limiting unnecessary horse movement, especially for animals with recent travel history to affected areas.
☑️ Implementing isolation protocols for any new or returning horses.
For more information, please visit the websites below.
https://equinediseasecc.org/infectious-diseases
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/.../Anima.../Equine_Biosecurity.html
Infectious disease in horses is caused by a specific MICROBIAL agent such as a bacteria, viruses, or parasites. When left untreated, infectious disease can spread rapidly in groups of horses. Use the table below to learn more about a specific infectious diseases including the transmission, clinical....
