In early November 2025, the equine community buzzed with the news of an EHV-1 outbreak at the WRPA World Finals and Barrel Race in Waco, TX. Quarantines were put into place, social media surrounding equine herpesvirus in horses, and there were a few heated debates in some of the equine groups I’m in on a certain platform.

Talk of the outbreak has started to fizzle out, and while equine herpesvirus isn’t anything new, this particular neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1 has been noted as more aggressive and contagious than previously seen, prompting states with high equine traffic to implement quarantine standards and even some restrictions to livestock movement across state lines for a few weeks.

Now that the panic has dissipated a bit and we’re all in a place where we can process information a little better, let’s talk about EHV-1 in horses, why it’s something to take seriously, and how you can prevent your horse from contracting contagious viruses.

Spoiler alert, EHV-1 is still a concern in January 2026 and many states still have strict state-wide quarantine orders affecting equine transport

What is EHV-1 in Horses?

Equine Herpesvirus-1 is one specific strain of a broader EHV “family”. These are common viruses in the equine world and generally cause respiratory disease. EHV-1 is different in that it can also cause horses to develop a neurologic disease called equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM).

Some statistics on EHV-1 and EHM:

• About 70% of EHM cases recover with intensive veterinary treatment
• A horse can be EHV-1 positive but not have neurologic signs of EHM
• EHV-1 is just as, if not more, contagious than strangles

One of the most challenging aspects of EHV-1 is that horses can carry the virus in a latent (inactive) state for years without showing symptoms. Stressful events such as trailing, showing, illness, or changes in environment can reactivate the virus, allowing an apparently healthy horse to begin shedding it and infecting others.

How EHV-1 Spreads

EHV-1 is primarily spread through nose-to-nose contact, but it can also be transmitted indirectly. Common routes of spread include:

• Direct contact with nasal discharge from an infected horse
• Shared water buckets, feed tubs, or grooming equipment
• Contaminated hands, clothing, boots, or tack
• Trailers, stalls, or equipment (trailers, stall mats, cross ties, etc.) that have not been properly disinfected

The virus can survive on surfaces for short periods, making biosecurity practices critical during outbreaks. Horses may begin shedding the virus before obvious symptoms appear, which is why EHV-1 can spread quickly before anyone realizes there is a problem.

Clinical Signs to Watch For

EHV-1 symptoms vary depending on which body systems are affected. Some horses may show mild signs, while others can become critically ill.

Respiratory signs may include:

• Fever (often the first sign)
• Nasal discharge
• Coughing
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite

Neurological signs (EHM) may include:

• Incoordination or wobbliness
• Weakness in the hind limbs
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Leaning against walls or fences
• Urinary incontinence or dribbling
• In severe cases, inability to rise

Because a fever is often the first symptom to surface, taking daily temperatures during high-risk situations like shows, travel, or when new horses arrive to a barn, can help catch cases early and prevent spreading the virus.

Why the Neurologic Form (EHM) Is So Serious

The neurological form of EHV-1 occurs when the virus affects the blood vessels supplying the spinal cord and brain. This can result in inflammation, reduced blood flow, and nerve damage. Some horses recover fully, while others may have lasting deficits or require euthanasia due to poor quality of life.

Not every horse infected with EHV-1 will develop neurological disease, but outbreaks of EHM can be devastating to barns and show circuits because of the need for strict quarantines and movement restrictions.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A veterinarian diagnoses EHV-1 through nasal swabs and blood tests, typically using PCR testing to detect the virus. Early diagnosis is critical to limit spread and begin supportive care.

There is no cure for EHV-1. Treatment for EHV-1 focuses on:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Antiviral drugs in some cases
• Supportive care (fluids, nutrition, positional support)
• Managing neurological complications

Horses with neurological signs require close veterinary supervision and may need intensive care, including sling support or specialized bedding to prevent injury.

There is a vaccine only for the respiratory and abortion form of EHV-1, not for the EHM manifestation. Always consult with your veterinarian to establish a vaccine schedule appropriate for your horse’s age, activity level, and risk exposure.

Biosecurity and Prevention Measures

Good biosecurity is the most effective defense against EHV-1. You can significantly reduce risk by implementing the following practices:

• Quarantine new arrivals for at least 14–21 days
• Avoid sharing water buckets, feed tubs, or equipment
• Wash hands and change clothing between handling different horses
• Disinfect stalls, trailers, and equipment regularly
• Monitor temperatures daily during outbreaks or high-risk periods
• Limit horse movement during known EHV-1 outbreaks

What to Do If You Suspect EHV-1

If your horse develops a fever or neurological signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. Isolate the horse from others, restrict movement on and off the property, and follow veterinary and state animal health guidelines.

Early action can protect other horses and help limit the scope of an outbreak.

Some Other Thoughts

It’s an understatement to say that the economic effects of the equine industry are still recovering and trying to stay ahead of EHV-1 outbreaks and their spread. Many horses compete in multiple circuits across the nation, and many have had to be pulled for a quarantine period of up to a month after the last clinical sign (such as a fever). Others that developed EHM required humane euthanasia to end their suffering.

If you’re trying to decide what’s best for you and your horse in terms of going to that next event, show, or rodeo, use your best judgment. EHV-1 isn’t new, and it isn’t going away, but EHV-1/EHM outbreaks have ramped up in the past 6 months, and many circuits have implemented much stricter biosecurity measures, health certificates, and interstate certificates of veterinary inspection.

We all have a duty to realistically assess our individual risk and make decisions with the welfare of our equine partners in mind.

Until next time, y’all!