04/27/2026
To protect horses from Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1/EHM) at shows, mandate strict biosecurity:
•Check re**al temperatures twice daily (reporting >101.5°F)
•Avoid nose-to-nose contact
•Use only personal equipment/buckets
•Minimize human-to-horse contact
Quarantine returning horses for 14-21 days and disinfect trailers with a 1:10 bleach solution.
Key Safety Recommendations
•Pre-Travel & Vaccination: Ensure EHV-1 vaccination is current (within 6 months).
While vaccines do not prevent the neurologic form, they help reduce viral shedding. Do not travel with any horse showing signs of illness.
Monitoring: Take and log re**al temperatures twice daily. A fever is often the first sign, appearing before neurological symptoms.
At the Show Grounds:
•No Sharing: Do not share tack, grooming tools, buckets, or lead ropes.
•Avoid Contact: Prevent nose-to-nose contact between horses.
•Watering: Do not dip hoses into water buckets when filling, as this can contaminate the water source.
•Hygiene: Wash hands frequently and change clothing/shoes if you have contact with multiple horses.
•Stall Safety: Inspect stalls and, if possible, disinfect them before bedding down.
Traveling Home & Quarantine:
•Isolate horses returning from events for 14–21 days.
•Monitor for clinical signs: nasal discharge, cough, fever, lethargy, or neurological symptoms (stumbling, urine dribbling).
•Disinfect trailers thoroughly, removing all manure and bedding first.
•Report Concerns: If a horse shows symptoms, isolate immediately and contact a veterinarian.
For real-time updates and to check for active outbreaks, consult the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC).
