11/19/2025
As many of y’all have already heard, we are having an EHV-1 outbreak here in the South. The initial location seems to be near Waco, TX, but it has started spreading across a large area as folks unknowingly bring it home.
EHV-1 is a strain of herpes virus that typically causes flu-like symptoms in horses. Sometimes, the virus can affect the neurologic system of horses, too, and it usually has a poor prognosis.
From my understanding, horses that are vaccinated may still be affected. I don’t know if these horses are up to date (current on their EHV/flu within the last 6 months), but I have heard that it will lessen symptoms and decrease viral shedding time for those horses that are up to date.
As of now, I would recommend giving a flu/rhino booster if your horse has not been vaccinated in the last 6 months and if they are healthy and not showing symptoms. I would also stay home for the next couple of weeks until the virus load is decreased or until we know more information. If you choose to travel, keep your horse isolated from others and thoroughly disinfect all areas they are near. This virus is usually spread by respiratory droplets (snot/cough/big exhales/whinnies/neighs/etc). Think protecting your horses like it’s 2020.
Signs or symptoms to call us about include:
-fever (re**al temp over 101.5*)
-ataxia (stumbling)
-lethargy (no energy)
-nasal discharge
-decreased or no appetite
-hind end weakness/poor tail tone
