11/19/2025
๐๐๐ฉ ๐ฏ
We know everyone has heard about the EHV outbreak in Texas and are following along for updates. Here is some compiled information for you! Eveyone be safe out there, and if you were in these areas follow strict quarantine.
There are confirmed EHV-1 and EHV-4 exposures connected to recent events, including the WPRA Finals, the 377 Arena on November 15 and 16, and the BFA in Oklahoma. Horses returning from any of these events should enter strict quarantine for 14 to 21 days and should not travel or come in contact with other horses during this time.
IN TEXAS
๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐
EHV spreads through nose to nose contact, shared buckets or tack, contaminated trailers, airborne droplets from coughing or snorting, and from people who handle exposed horses. Horses can shed the virus before showing symptoms, which is why strong quarantine is essential.
Horses infected with EHV become lifelong carriers. The virus enters a latent state deep within nerve tissue, where the immune system cannot remove it. These horses often look completely normal but can intermittently shed the virus when stressed. Hauling, competition, changes in environment, illness, and even routine training can reactivate the virus. A healthy looking horse can still spread EHV, especially after travel, which is why outbreaks at large events happen so quickly.
๐ฆ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐๐ผ๐บ๐
- Fever (Over 101.5)
- Nasal discharge
- Lethargy
- Hind end weakness or wobbliness
- Loss of tail tone or urine dribbling
Some cases progress to the neurological form, EHM, which is a medical emergency. Take temperatures twice daily and monitor closely.
The incubation period ranges from 2 to 10 days and horses can shed the virus during this time.
Vaccination is not recommended for exposed horses. Horses with no known exposure should receive an EHV booster if they have not been vaccinated in the last three months.
Disinfect trailers, buckets, stalls, and equipment by removing organic material and using a 1 to 10 bleach solution or other approved disinfectants. Allow surfaces to dry fully before reuse.
Quarantine requires complete separation from all other horses. Keep exposed horses at least 30 feet away from others, avoid nose to nose contact, use separate equipment, and change clothes or wear protective gear when handling them. Take temperatures twice daily MINIMUM and monitor closely for respiratory or neurologic signs.
Routine veterinary appointments should be delayed for 14 to 21 days for any horse with known exposure. Emergencies may be handled in the quarantine area on a case by case basis. Bringing exposed horses to a clinic risks widespread transmission and potential shutdowns. If you have an appointment with us, please do not unload your horses. You may come inside to check in, but keep your horses in the trailer until a staff member comes out to assist you. This helps protect every horse on the property.
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐
https://aaep.org/resource/aaep-infectious-disease-guidelines-equine-herpesvirus-1-4/
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/equine_herpes_virus.html
Do not panic. Just be proactive. Good biosecurity, quarantine, and early symptom monitoring go a long way toward keeping your horse and the community safe.
If you have concerns or notice any symptoms, call immediately. Do not haul.
Equine herpesviruses are very common DNA viruses in horse populations worldwide. The two most significant are EHV-1, which causes respiratory disease, abortion, and neurologic disease; and EHV-4, which primarily causes respiratory disease and only occasionally causes abortion or neurologic disease.....
