Horses

Horse Equine Herpesvirus Biosecurity

Equine herpesvirus (EHV) causes respiratory disease, abortion and neurological disease. Biosecurity and vaccination protocols protect horse welfare during outbreaks.

Key Facts

EHV-1 and EHV-4 cause respiratory disease while EHV-1 also causes abortion storms and myeloencephalopathy
Neurological EHV-1 (EHM) can cause paralysis and is associated with outbreaks at equestrian events
Vaccination reduces respiratory disease severity but provides limited protection against neurological EHM
Quarantine of horses from events for 3 weeks after return reduces spread within yards
Transmission occurs through direct contact and respiratory secretions with virus viable in environment

Welfare Considerations

EHM causes acute neurological signs including weakness, incoordination and inability to urinate that can progress to recumbency and euthanasia. Abortion storms cause reproductive losses with associated distress. Welfare is protected through early isolation of affected animals, quarantine of at-risk contacts and supportive care including nursing for recumbent horses. Event organizers have responsibility for implementing outbreak-prevention protocols.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate horses against EHV as part of routine vaccination programs
Quarantine horses returning from competition for 3 weeks before mixing with resident stock
Report suspected EHM immediately to the vet and isolate affected horses with strict hygiene protocols
Support event organizers requiring up-to-date vaccination certificates and health declarations
Follow national surveillance systems for EHV outbreaks before traveling to equestrian events