11/20/2025
🌟 Horse Health Update 🌟
You may have seen the headlines about an Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) outbreak that started at a large competition in Texas with a few of those horses traveling into Oklahoma.
The important news for us: Florida has no reported cases right now!
👉 Quick facts:
🐴 EHV-1 is contagious and can cause respiratory illness, abortion in mares, and—though rare—a neurological disease called Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM). EHM is the version of the outbreak originating in Texas.
🐴 Equine herpesvirus spreads at big gatherings, so biosecurity is always smart.
🐴 Easy steps like not sharing equipment, disinfecting trailers, and giving new arrivals a short quarantine will help keep barns safe.
🐴 When in doubt, check your horse’s temperature- a fever is cause for concern.
🐴 While there is no vaccine to prevent EHM, there are excellent vaccines to fight the respiratory and abortive aspects of EHV-1. These vaccines are part of the recommended twice a year boosters for horses that travel or live in a boarding facility. Not sure if your horse is up to date? Call us!
💡 Bottom line: Stay alert, practice good barn hygiene, and enjoy your horses—Florida is clear of EHV-1 at this time.
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Want to keep an eye on equine contagious diseases yourself? Check out the Florida Department of Agriculture and their reportable equine disease map.
https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Horses-Equine/Florida-s-Reportable-Equine-Disease-Map
Want more information on EHV-1? Check out the Equine Disease Communication Center.
https://www.equinediseasecc.org/equine-herpesvirus?fbclid=IwRlRTSAOLUpJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEetJASa3ckHXPhLc-Lq0ssbXML_IFF0VWagUG9hTatb4qZcudqbPTxd1zrwT0_aem_DO9C10QMXjdS_RO1jE6kGg
AAEP also has great information!