Let's Stop EHV-1 in its Tracks

Equine Herpesviruses (EHV) or Rhinopneumonitis are very common viruses in horses worldwide. The two most significant strains, EHV-1 and EHV-4 cause the most serious disease, including respiratory disease, abortion, and rarely neurologic disease.

EHV-1 is a serious condition and the one that has been traced to several recent outbreaks. There can be respiratory signs or no signs at all. With broodmares, abortion is possible. In the case of the neurological disease, there may or may not be respiratory symptoms. It is contagious, and it is a reportable disease. Reportable diseases are those that are considered to be a disease of great importance and concern for the entire horse community because they are dangerous and transmissible and can severely impact animal health. You must work closely with your veterinarian who will consult with your state veterinarian if you have a suspected or confirmed case of EHV-1.

Because of the serious nature of the disease and because it is a reportable disease, any animals, barns and/or show grounds that have been in contact with an EHV-1 positive horse must be under quarantine to avoid spreading it further.

Symptoms may include fever, cough, clear nasal discharge, lack of coordination, wobbly gaits, difficulty urinating and/or defecating, lying down and being unable to get back up, and abortion in broodmares.

EHV-1 has been in the news lately because of outbreaks at show facilities in Europe and the U.S.