11/19/2025
I want to share some info on EHV as it is currently affecting the horse community. Knowledge is power, don't panic, just educate yourself. If your horses start acting different, contact your vet quickly.
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There are confirmed EHV-1 and EHV-4 exposures connected to recent events, including the WPRA Finals, the 377 Arena on November 15 and 16, and the BFA in Oklahoma. Horses returning from any of these events should enter strict quarantine for 14 to 21 days and should not travel or come in contact with other horses during this time.
EHV is a viral disease spread through nasal discharge, aerosol droplets, contaminated tack or equipment, shared stalls or trailers, and even human hands and clothing. Horses can shed the virus before showing symptoms, which is why strong quarantine is essential.
Horses infected with EHV become lifelong carriers. The virus enters a latent state deep within nerve tissue, where the immune system cannot remove it. These horses often look completely normal but can intermittently shed the virus when stressed. Hauling, competition, changes in environment, illness, and even routine training can reactivate the virus. A healthy looking horse can still spread EHV, especially after travel, which is why outbreaks at large events happen so quickly.
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โข Fever, nasal discharge, lethargy, enlarged lymph nodes, and respiratory signs are common early indicators. Late term abortion and foal loss can occur. Neurologic signs such as hind end weakness, stumbling, urine dribbling, or inability to stand may develop in EHM cases.
โข The incubation period ranges from 2 to 10 days and horses can shed the virus during this time.
โข Testing is done through PCR on nasal swabs and whole blood.
โข Treatment focuses on supportive care, anti-inflammatories, antivirals for EHM cases, and rest.
โข Respiratory cases usually recover in one to two weeks. Neurologic cases may take longer and may not fully resolve.
Quarantine requires complete separation from all other horses. Keep exposed horses at least 30 feet away from others, avoid nose to nose contact, use separate equipment, and change clothes or wear protective gear when handling them. Take temperatures twice daily MINIMUM and monitor closely for respiratory or neurologic signs.
Disinfect trailers, buckets, stalls, and equipment by removing organic material and using a 1 to 10 bleach solution or other approved disinfectants. Allow surfaces to dry fully before reuse.
Routine veterinary appointments should be delayed for 14 to 21 days for any horse with known exposure. Emergencies may be handled in the quarantine area on a case by case basis. Bringing exposed horses to a clinic risks widespread transmission and potential shutdowns.
Vaccination is not recommended for exposed horses. Horses with no known exposure should receive an EHV booster if they have not been vaccinated in the last three months.
Do not panic. Just be proactive. Biosecurity, quarantine, and careful monitoring protect your horse and the entire community.
If you have any questions, comment below, and Iโll do my best to answer them.
https://equinediseasecc.org/.../managedfilehandler.ashx...
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xxvets.com โฆ (940) 514-9500ve
Located in Sunset, Texas off of Hwy 287, just north of Decatur. Double X Vets is your one stop shop for all your animalsโ needs. From performance equine, and farm animal health, to all small animal surgery, reproduction, including canine transcervical insemination. Double X is a truly unique veter...
