DeNaples Equine Services

11/25/2025

Join Boehringer Veterinarian, Dr. Julie Settlage, and learn more about the virus that has mobilized a nation - equine herpes virus 1 and one of its sequela, equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM). Please utilize the survey to submit any questions by midnight on Sunday night. She will do her best to...

11/24/2025

𝐄𝐇𝐕-𝟏 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐇𝐌 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

11/23/2025 09:00am

The current EHV-1 confirmed case count is 27, with 21 of those cases being the EHM (neurologic) form of the disease. The affected states are Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Washington state.

There has been a significant amount of speculation on how high the case load actually is. It is important to remember that while there is a delay in positive test reporting, all owners may not necessarily choose to have their animals tested. Additionally, it was speculated that some animals passed prior to testing being performed, falsely decreasing positive numbers. It is quite important to realize that there is no way to verify these speculations without data present, which was the instigator for this series to be written - we’d like to keep you all up to date on the facts that have been presented. These outbreak situations are stressful enough as it is without guesswork and the proverbial social media firestorm that is happening as a result. The fact of the matter is, we all only what want is best for our horses & to keep them safe.

That being said, Arizona and Nevada continue to be the only states with updated travel regulations.

𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐚 (𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝟏𝟏/𝟏𝟗)

- Previous 30-day health certificates will only be valid for 5 days if the origin state has had an EHV-1/EHM detection in the previous 30 days
- Supplemental statements are required on the health certificates (found here: https://agriculture.az.gov/sites/default/files/Letterhead%20Color-NEW%20LOGO-MOVEMENT%20RESTRICTIONS-SIGNED.pdf)
- Extended (6-month passports) health certificates are cancelled and availability will be paused for the next 30 days
- Additional rules due to early November vesicular stomatitis outbreak listed on site

𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐝𝐚 (𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝟏𝟏/𝟏𝟗)

- Implementation of an Entry Permit System - All health certificates (CVIs), test results and supporting documents must be faxed/emailed to the permit office for review, then details submitted to the online permit system to obtain an entry permit number
- Entry permits will be required until January 1, 2026
- Health certificates must have supplemental statements (Found here https://agri.nv.gov/Animals/Animal_Disease/Import_Requirements/)
- Animals will be denied entry if they have been on a premise or at an event with a confirmed case of EHV-1/EHM in the last 21 days ( Extraco Events Center, 377 Arena, Lazy E Arena, Jackson County)
- Additional rules due to early November vesicular stomatitis outbreak listed on site

The National Finals Rodeo & Junior National Finals Rodeo is planning on continuing as scheduled with additional rules & regulations in place with the safety of their equine athletes at the forefront.

Major events that are being postponed or rescheduled include the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway and the 2025 National Finals Breakaway Roping. A significant number of large barrel races, professional rodeos, horse sales and other western performance events have also been cancelled in multiple states in an effort to reduce spread during this time.

- Dr. Cooper

Update:

MT Dept of Ag has released the following regulations:

“- All equines entering Montana must be traveling on a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) issued no earlier than 72 hours prior to travel into Montana. This 72-hour restriction also applies to equines who are issued a CVI in Montana to travel out-of-state and are returning to Montana on the same CVI.
- Equines that may have been exposed to EHV-1 within 14 days prior to CVI inspection are not eligible for importation into Montana until this order is lifted.
- Equines exhibiting any clinical signs consistent with EHV-1 or EHM, including a fever, are not eligible for importation into Montana until this Order is lifted.
- All other importation requirements for equines eligible for entry into Montana pursuant to this Order remain in place

Up to date confirmed cases can be found here: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/news/article/Equine-Herpesvirus-Myeloencephalopathy-(EHM)-Outbreak

Arizona equine travel regulationscan be found here:https://agriculture.az.gov/sites/default/files/Letterhead%20Color-NEW%20LOGO-MOVEMENT%20RESTRICTIONS-SIGNED.pdf

Nevada travel regulations can be found here: https://agri.nv.gov/Animals/Animal_Disease/Import_Requirements/wng

11/24/2025

11/24/2025

The Equine Disease Communication Center is monitoring an outbreak of EHM that originated at the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals and Elite Barrel Race event Nov 5-9. To date, officially confirmed cases have been reported in the following states-

11/24/2025

As we continue to monitor the current outbreak of the neurologic form of equine herpesvirus (EHM) infection, let's take this opportunity to discuss once more the importance of biosecurity measures to stop disease spread. We recommend the following biosecurity precautions for horse owners, particularly if their horses have recently traveled to horse shows or were exposed to horses that have traveled:

1) Monitor horses for clinical signs (including fever, discharge from the nostrils, toe-dragging or a lack of balance) and take the temperature twice daily. Temperature greater than 101.5 F is considered a fever.

2) Immediately isolate any horse(s) showing clinical signs. Equine herpesvirus is an aerosolized virus and is spread through shared airspace, direct contact, and contaminated caretakers or equipment. A good isolation area is a separate barn or shelter that does not share airspace with healthy horses.

3) Implement movement restrictions until the situation is evaluated.

4) Contact your veterinarian to evaluate your horse and to propose a comprehensive biosecurity protocol.

5) Increase biosecurity measures that include extensive cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment that come in contact with affected horses: wash or sanitize your hands between interacting with horses; take time while filling water buckets and feed tubs, do not cross contaminate; minimize the use of shared equipment and tack.

6) Make sure your horse is up to date on vaccinations.

7) Establish communication with all parties involved (owners, boarders, trainers, etc.).

More resources and information regarding biosecurity are available on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website at https://equinediseasecc.org/biosecurity

To learn more Equine Herpesvirus (EHV), visit: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/equine-herpesvirus

11/24/2025

In light of the current EHV-1 outbreak, the AAEP and the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) have organized a horse owner education webinar to bring you the most up to date information on this issue.

Next Tuesday, join specialists Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges (Texas Animal Health Commission Executive Director and Texas State Veterinarian), Dr. Krista Estell (AAEP/EDCC) and Dr. Katie Flynn (USEF) for an informative discussion about what EHV-1 is, how to recognize it, and most importantly, how to prevent its spread.

This webinar is FREE, but registration is required. Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/AnIoJrASj0vuX7Q_K87mKEjg5bxeMAkqp7fpSoOgVtVm_Zgo1g5m~AiiV7ZQ3bbmlEW2iSkeRTSAfMCYf2QhFMoprr7WRbM_MsiJRcBGT1oLj0Q

*PLEASE NOTE: the attendee limit for this session is capped at 1,000. However, all who register will be emailed a link to an on-demand recording that will become available 24 hours after the live session ends.

11/06/2025

‼️ALERT: Vesicular Stomatitis Virus**

🦠 As of October 31, 2025, Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) has been diagnosed in Arizona. More states may have detections in the coming weeks to months. The detection of VSV in the US triggers emergency import regulations in New York State and others.

🦠 Vesicular stomatitis is a contagious disease of livestock, mainly affecting horses and cattle. Occasionally, this disease can infect swine, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, and even people. It is primarily transmitted by biting flies and midges. The disease causes blister-like sores, among other side effects.

🦠 Clinical signs appear 2 to 8 days after exposure:
🤤 Drooling or frothing at the mouth
👄 Blister-like lesions can form around
the mouth, nose, sheath, udder, ears,
and coronary bands.
🌡️ Fever (temperature > 101.5°F)
🥕 Reluctance to eat

☣️The Importance of BIOSECURITY!
Isolating new horses before introducing them to your herd.
🦟 Controlling insects on your property
with fly traps, sprays, and clean horse
pens.
🤒 Separating sick horses from healthy
horses on your property.
🧤 Handling healthy animals before sick
animals.
🧼 Washing and disinfecting your hands
and boots after working with sick
animals. If possible, change and wash
your clothes as well.

🛻 The Bottom Line:
ALL interstate travel (both TO and FROM New York) needs to be accompanied by a CVI certificate from an accredited veterinarian - should your horse need to travel interstate, PLEASE discuss this with your veterinarian.

🦠 VSV can move quickly, and animals may not be able to promptly return to New York if it is determined that they are within 10 miles of an affected animal. It is important to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of sending horses to VSV-affected states, and contingency plans should be made in case of a positive detection in a state that they have traveled to.

🔗 To continue to monitor any changes and restrictions in import and exporting your horse: https://agriculture.ny.gov/animals/animal-import-export

📸: Dr. Mary Kenne Lott giving a thumbs up from isolation.

09/03/2025

🍂 ‘Tis the season for pumpkin spice, fall like temperatures and changing leaves which means it is time to talk about the grass. Just because it is nearly fall does not mean that your horse isn’t at risk for developing laminitis triggered by insulin dysregulation due to metabolic issues and seasonal hormonal imbalances. The grass may appear less lush and green; however, the grass is in a stressed state. And due to this stressed state, the grass is high in sugars. We recommend still leaving the grazing muzzle on your horse for their safety and your peace of mind.

🩸 What can lead to insulin dysregulation? 🩸
Equine Metabolic Syndrome is a disorder associated with the inability to regulate blood insulin levels resulting in hyperinsulinemia. PPID (Pituitary para intermedia dysfunction) is the development of benign tumors of the pituitary gland which is responsible for regulating the body’s hormones including ACTH (adrencorticotropic). Both disorders can lead to insulin dysregulation, which can cause laminitis particularly when exposed to a diet high in non-structutal carbohydrates. ACTH and insulin levels can be tested to determine if your horse may need medication.

🐴 Laminitis is inflammation of the laminae between the hoof and the underlying coffin bone. The inflammation weakens the laminae attachments. Depending on severity, this may lead to founder. Founder is when the hoof and coffin bone can separate and the coffin bone can rotate.

Clinical signs of laminitis include:
🍂 Unwillingness to walk and notable lameness at the walk
🍂 Weight shifting
🍂 Heat in the feet
🍂 Increased digital pulses
🍂Wanting to stand with their weight rocked back on their hind feet
🍂 Increased heart rate and respiratory rate due to pain

🩺 If you suspect your horse may be experiencing laminitis, be sure to call your veterinarian for an exam and to formulate a plan that may include medications, management changes, and dietary restrictions.

📸: Photo taken at Sugar Maple Farm NY last fall.

08/15/2025

🐌 It is time to address the snail in the room! Recently, we posted about a number of positive Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) cases in our area. A few people commented that they had never heard of PHF in all of their years of horse ownership. We are here to squash the misinformation surrounding PHF. Let’s jump right in at a snail's pace.

🐌 When was PHF first identified?
Originally PHF was recognized in 1979 near the Potomac River in Maryland.

🐌 Where is PHF?
Originally it was thought that PHF was only found in the eastern United States; however, it has been identified throughout North America. And it has been described in South America and Europe too. Typically, PHF is seen in late spring through early fall.

🐌 How is it transmitted?
PHF has a complicated life cycle. It is transmitted by fresh water insects, not directly from horse to horse. Neorickettsia risticii is the bacterium causative agent. It has been identified in snails and various species of cadisflies. These aquatic insects, found near water, contain the rickettsia-infected trematodes which are ingested by the horse. The trematodes cause inflammation of the intestines often leading to an acute enterocolitis.

🐌 What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, lethargy, colic, and laminitis. It can cause abortion in pregnant mares.

🐌 How do we test for PHF?
Submit EDTA whole blood and/or f***s to the lab for PCR testing. Per the Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Center, they have seen a rise in positive PHF PCR tests over the years in NY state, with a higher number of cases diagnosed in Albany, Dutchess, Saratoga and Tompkins counties.

🐌 When did the PHF vaccine become commercially available? Is it effective?
In 1987, PHF vaccines were available. The monovalent PHF vaccine has been shown to provide better immunity than the PHF/rabies combination.

🐌 What can you do to protect your horse?
We recommend horses receive their first vaccination dose in late spring followed by boosters every three months through late fall. Following this schedule will give your horse continuous immunity until temperatures dip below freezing and the vector (disease-spreading) aquatic insects die for the year. While the vaccine is not 100% effective, it can decrease the severity of the illness and increase survival.

🐌 What can you do at the barn?
A simple tip is light at night attracts insects.
To help protect your horses, we advise to eliminate light sources near their drinking water. And provide clean drinking water.

🐌 While early treatment of PHF can be successful, the disease is frequently fatal.

📸: A previous patient diagnosed with PHF and survived.

08/08/2025

🦠 A recent case of the highly infectious equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM) has been confirmed in Sussex County, NJ. Per the NJ Dept of Ag, a 20-year-old mare developed acute clinical signs on August 03, 2025, and was subsequently humanely euthanized. One week prior, another horse on the property presented with similar neurological signs and was humanely euthanized, without diagnostic testing. The property is quarantined.

📖 What is EHV-1?

Equine Herpes Virus type-1 (EHV-1) is a virus that causes respiratory disease, abortion, neonatal death, and neurologic disease. EHV can cause Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), the neurologic form of herpes.

🤧How is it spread?

EHV-1 is primarily spread by direct horse-to-horse contact by respiratory secretions. However, indirect contact with contaminated equipment and personnel can spread the virus. Following infection, horses may become latent carriers and the virus may be reactivated after stress such as travel and exercise, or high doses of corticosteroids. The incubation period ranges from two to 10 days.

🩺What are the symptoms of EHV-1?

Common symptoms include fever, coughing, lethargy, nasal discharge, and inappetance. Symptoms of the neurologic form include ataxia (incoordination), weakness, difficulty standing, recumbency, loss of tail tone, and difficulty urinating.

😷How can you protect your horse?

While vaccination can decrease clinical signs and shedding, it does not protect against the neurologic strain.

While at a show, avoid nose-to-nose contact with horses from other barns, and don’t share equipment such as buckets, wheelbarrows, and pitchforks. Wash your hands frequently, and take extra precautions if working with multiple groups of horses.

🌡️ Consider taking your horse's temperature twice a day when traveling. Temperatures greater than 101.5 or any signs of illness should be reported to your veterinarian immediately.

🧬How is EHV-1 diagnosed?

The virus is detected in nasal swabs and blood samples by PCR testing. At Rhinebeck Equine, we offer in-house rapid EHV-1 PCR testing on nasal swabs. Results are available in ~60 minutes.