08/27/2026
Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1): Know the Facts
A recent single case of Equine Herpesvirus-1 in Sussex, New Brunswick, on August 25th, 2026, has given some Nova Scotia horse owners cause for concern. Our veterinarians at Fundy Vets would like to shed some light on commonly asked questions:
What is it? EHV-1 is a common, highly contagious virus that infects horses and can cause respiratory disease, abortion, and, rarely, neurological disease. The neurologic form of EHV-1 is called Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM).
🦠 How is it transmitted? Mainly through respiratory secretions, nasal discharge, direct horse-to-horse contact, contaminated equipment, people, trailers, and other surfaces.
⚠️ Clinical signs: Fever, nasal discharge, cough, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, abortion. EHM has neurologic signs such as staggering, incoordination, difficulty urinating or inability to stand.
🔬 Diagnosis: Usually based on clinical signs and confirmed with PCR testing of nasal swabs. Testing may be especially important during suspected outbreaks.
💊 Treatment: There is no specific cure for EHV-1. Treatment is supportive and depends on the symptoms. Prognosis for EHV-1 is generally good; prognosis for EHM varies, depending on the severity of neurologic abnormalities.
🛡️ Prevention: Isolate sick or exposed horses, avoid sharing equipment with unknown horses, maintain good hygiene and biosecurity, monitor temperatures, minimize unnecessary horse-to-horse contact, and discuss vaccination with your veterinarian. EHV is covered in our “5-way” vaccine, but should be boostered every 6 months to ensure adequate immunity.
Early recognition + good biosecurity = key to limiting spread. 🐎
