11/22/2025
Our ranch is in Texas....So that must mean that our horses have EHV-1, right?!! NO!!!
If you want to know how we are confident that our horses are safe, here are the facts.
MA Quarter Horses, how we are keeping our horses safe during this EHV outbreak.
We are blessed to have a ranch that doesn't border anyone else with horses. Also, we never allow outside horses on our ranch, nor do our horses ever leave the ranch, unless to travel to their new home.
If one of our horses needs veterinary care, we are currently having the vet make "house calls" in order to prevent exposure that could exist at the clinic, plus take all precautions by having them arrive at our ranch first thing during the day, prior to seeing others in need. In doing so, preventing any germs from being transferred indirectly via clothing, gear, etc.
Top EHV-1 Facts:
1. What is EHV-1? Equine Herpesvirus-1, is a common and highly contagious virus affecting horses, donkeys, and mules.
2. What does it do? It is a contagious equine virus that causes respiratory disease, abortions, and a serious neurological condition called Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM)
3. Can humans catch it? No.
4. How is it spread? Horse-to-horse contact through respiratory secretions.
Indirect contact: Contaminated equipment, tack, water buckets, and feed.
5. Is it airborn? Yes, but only up to approximately 30 feet.
6. What are the most common symptoms?
Fever
Nasal discharge
Cough
Lethargy or depression
Swollen lymph nodes
Hindlimb weakness or incoordination
Difficulty urinating or urinary retention
Loss of tail tone
Inability to stand (recumbency)
7. Do all horses show symptoms? No, also it can lie dormant.
8. How long does it take for the symptoms to show? It has a 2-10 day incubation period
9. How do I know for sure if a horse is safe? Veterinarians often diagnose EHV-1 using PCR testing of nasal swabs or blood. It takes approximately 1 week to get results.
10. Is there a cure? No
11. What if my horse is being shipped? Make sure the shipper is taking all precautions. Ask how they are cleaning their trailers, feed/water buckets, tack, how their layover areas are being cautious, etc... prior to shipping.
If you believe your horse may have been exposed, quarantine them, and call your vet immediately.
Stay safe everyone.
