08/28/2026
ANIMAL HEALTH NOTICE
Subject: Equine Health Advisory for Participants of the 4-H Round Up Show and King's County Fair Draft Show held August 25, 2026.
To Horse Owners, Exhibitors, Trainers, and Event Organizers Associated with the 4-H Round Up Show and King's County Fair Draft Horse Show:
The New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries (DAAF) is advising all exhibitors, horse owners, trainers, and other horse contacts who attended the 4-H Round Up Show and the King's County Fair Draft Horse Show in Sussex on August 25, 2026, of a potential Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) exposure associated with these events.
A 4-H horse that participated in the event originated from the same boarding facility as another horse that was recently confirmed positive for EHV-1.
To be clear, the EHV-1-positive horse was not present at either the 4-H Round Up Show or the King's County Fair Draft Horse Show. However, because the participating horse resided at the same premises as the confirmed case, there is a potential for exposure of other horses that attended the events.
As a precautionary measure, participants are encouraged to closely monitor their horses and implement appropriate biosecurity practices. Because EHV-1 is highly contagious and can cause respiratory disease, abortion in pregnant mares, and, in some cases, neurological disease, the following precautions are recommended.
Quarantine and Monitoring
Participants should:
• Isolate exposed horses from horses that did not attend the events for the next 14 to 21 days.
• Monitor horses closely for signs of illness, including:
o Fever
o Nasal discharge
o Lethargy
o Reduced appetite
• Check and record body temperatures twice daily, preferably before exercise or turnout or after rest.
• Contact a veterinarian immediately if a horse develops a fever greater than 102°F (38.9°C) or exhibits any signs of illness.
Biosecurity Measures
To reduce the risk of disease spread:
• Handle healthy horses first, exposed horses second, and sick horses last.
• Avoid sharing water buckets, feed tubs, halters, grooming equipment, tack, or other supplies between horses.
• Wash hands and change or disinfect clothing and footwear after handling exposed horses.
• Avoid taking exposed horses to other barns, shows, fairs or equine events during the monitoring period.
Cleaning and Disinfection
Effective disinfectants against EHV-1 include:
• Virkon-S®
• Lysol® (phenolic disinfectants)
• Household bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water)
Important: All organic material, including manure, bedding, dirt, and debris, must be removed from stalls, buckets, equipment, and other surfaces before disinfectants are applied. Always follow the manufacturer's directions for proper mixing, application, and contact time.
Consult Your Veterinarian
Owners and exhibitors should consult their veterinarian if they have concerns regarding their horse's health or management during the monitoring period.
Early detection and strict biosecurity practices are essential to minimizing the risk of disease spread. Thank you for your cooperation and vigilance in helping protect the health of New Brunswick's equine population.
If you have questions or concerns regarding this advisory, please contact your veterinarian or Animal Health Services.
Sincerely,
Dr. Nicole Wanamaker, Chief Veterinary Officer
Animal Health Services
506-432-2001
New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
Department / Ministère
P.O. Box 6000, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5H1 / C.P. 6000, Fredericton, Nouveau-Brunswick E3B 5H1
Tel. / Tél. : (506) 453-3036 Fax / Téléc. : (506) 453-7195
GNB.CA
