June/July 2026 Issue

June/July 2026 | EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN 32 EHV is not a rare or emerging disease. In fact, most horses are exposed to equine herpesvirus at some point in their lives.The two primary strains, EHV-1 and EHV-4, circulate widely in the horse population. EHV-4 is typically associated with respi- ratory illness, while EHV-1 carries more serious implications, including abortion inmares and equine herpesvirus myeloen- cephalopathy (EHM), the neurologic form that can lead to paralysis or death. What makes EHV particularly concern- ing during show and travel season is not just its severity—but its subtlety. The Quiet First Sign: Fever Unlike many illnesses that announce themselves clearly, EHV often begins qui- etly. A horse may appear normal, eating and working as usual, while developing a fever that lasts only a short window. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) notes that fever is frequently the first—and sometimes only—early warning sign. That’s why veterinarians emphasize one simple but critical practice: take your horse’s temperature twice daily when traveling, competing, or returning home fromevents. From there, signs can escalate. Owners shouldwatch for nasal discharge or cough- ing, lethargy, swelling in the limbs, incoor- dination, stumbling, hind-end weakness, and difficulty urinating. In pregnant mares, late-term abortion can occur. How EHV Spreads—and Why Season Matters EHV spreads easily through respiratory secretions—nose-to-nose contact, shared water buckets, tack, stalls, trailers, and even human hands, boots, and clothing. During quieter winter months, many barns operate in relatively closed systems. But as spring and summer arrive, those barriers break down. Horses ship in and out of facilities, mingle at warm-up rings, share wash racks, and tie to communal trailers at trailheads. The United States Department of Agri- culture (USDA) notes that increased horse movement is one of the primary drivers of EHV transmission. Even well-managed events can become exposure points simply due to volume and proximity. Vaccination plays a role, particularly in reducing respiratory disease and viral shedding, but it is not a complete safeguard. Current vaccines do not reliably prevent the neurologic form (EHM), which means biosecurity—not vaccination alone—is the frontline defense. If EHV Is Detected at an Event Hearing that EHV has been identified at a show or clinic is every competitor’s night- mare—but the responsemattersmore than the moment. The instinct to immediately pack up and leave can actually worsen the situation. Veterinary authorities emphasize that uncontrolled departures can spread the virus far beyond the original site. Instead, follow official guidance from show man- agement, event veterinarians, and state animal health officials. At a minimum: stop all non-essential horse movement, avoid horse-to-horse contact, do not share equipment, begin twice-daily temperature monitoring, and disinfect hands, boots, and equip- ment frequently. If You Learn About Exposure After You’re Home Inmany cases, owners only learn of poten- tial exposure after returning home. This is where discipline and early action make a measurable difference. First, call your veterinarian before mov- ing the horse again. Then implement immediate isolation: keep the exposed horse separated for at least 21 days, use dedicated equipment, handle isolated horses last, and maintain strict hygiene practices. Temperature monitoring should con- tinue twice daily, and any spike should be reported immediately. Communication Is Containment One of the most effective tools in man- aging EHV isn’t medical—it’s commu- nication. Owners should notify barn managers, trainers, and anyone whose horses may have had contact. TheEquineDiseaseCommunicationCen- ter (EDCC)provides verified, real-timealerts on outbreaks and remains one of the most reliable sources for tracking disease activity. AManageable Risk—With the Right Approach EHV is part of the reality of horse owner- ship. It cannot be eliminated entirely—but it can bemanaged effectively with vigilance and routine. Take temperatures. Limit contact. Isolate when in doubt. Call your veterinarian early. And communicate clearly. In a season defined by movement, aware- ness is the one thing that must travel with every horse. Sources • American Association of Equine Practitioners. Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1 and EHV-4) Guidelines. https://aaep.org/resources/guidelines/equine-herpesvirus • UnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture.EquineHerpesvirus DiseaseInformation .https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock- poultry-disease/equine/herpesvirus • Equine Disease Communication Center. Disease Alerts and Biosecurity Resources. https://www.equinediseasecc.org • American Association of Equine Practitioners. Biosecurity and Infectious Disease Control Guidelines. https://aaep.org/ resources/guidelines/infectious-disease-control EHV in the Spotlight: What Horse Owners Need to Know as Show, Clinic, and Trail Season Heats Up From busy showgrounds to shared trailheads, equine herpesvirus remains a persistent risk—here’s how to recognize it, contain it, and protect your horse when exposure happens.