11/25/2025
**Attention horse owners!**
There have been multiple confirmed cases of Equine Herpesviral Myeloencephalopathy - the neurologic form equine Herpesvirus – in states other than Idaho. These cases originated from the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals November 5th-9th, the Barrel Futurity of America (BFA) World Championships that began November 17th, and/or the weekly barrel race at 377 Arena in Stephensville, TX. If you were at these events, please be aware of the risk and quarantine your horse – and any horses your horse may have been in contact with since - for the next 21 days. We recommend monitoring the temperature of your horse(s) twice daily during this time period and to call your veterinarian if a fever occurs, or if your horse shows any of the following signs:
- Fever 101-107F
- Nasal discharge, cough, inappetence
- Lymph node enlargement
- Abortion if mare is pregnant between 7 and 11 months
- Uncoordinated gait, weakness of hind limbs to paralysis of hind limbs, loss of bladder and tail function.
Due to this outbreak, ALL 6-month equine health certificates are voided nationwide. We STRONGLY encourage all our clients to keep their horses home until the outbreak is resolved. However, we know many of you travel for rodeos or for the winter. For these cases we recommend the following:
- Vaccinate all horses with a vaccine that covers herpesvirus, recognizing that it takes 2 weeks for immunity to form. Booster in 4-6 weeks for any horse that hasn’t been previously vaccinated, and every 3 months for horses that travel frequently. We have multiple types of this vaccine in stock, but please call to ensure we have the vaccine you need prior to your coming to the clinic to pick it up.
- You will need strict biosecurity protocols for your family, friends, and horses. Do not wear dirty boots from one barn to another. Do not use brushes and tack from one animal/barn to another. Minimum distance of 6 feet between your horse and the next animal – this disease can be airborne so keep space to prevent your animals from getting sick.
- Due to the changes in health certificates, you will need to schedule an appointment for an exam and health certificate within 5 days of your travel for many states, 3 days prior to travel to Nevada.
- NOTE: this is for the health certificate and exam, not for Coggins testing. The Coggins test takes 2 weeks MINIMUM to get results back due to changes in shipping and handling by USPS
Finally, the following is from our State Veterinarian, Dr. Leibsle:
“It is my strong recommendation to all Idaho horse owners to cancel any travel they have planned over the next few weeks. I am also recommending equine events in Idaho be cancelled until additional information is available to determine the current extent of the spread of disease throughout the horse community. I expect that many more equine events will be cancelled in the coming weeks due to the outbreak, however, there may be some other events, such as the National Finals Rodeo, that choose to continue as scheduled. I encourage vets and their clients to always contact the Department of Agriculture in the state of destination for the most up-to-date import requirements for livestock. For up-to-date information on this disease outbreak or resources to manage an outbreak, I would encourage you to refer to the following websites: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/ https://aaep.org/resource/general-biosecurity-guidelines/ ”
National governing body for equestrian sport in the United States. Uniting the equestrian community by ensuring fairness, safety, and enjoyment.
