Equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive lung disease associated with equid herpesvirus-5 causing increasing respiratory compromise with significant welfare implications.
EMPF causes progressive respiratory distress that escalates from exercise intolerance to breathlessness at rest in severely affected horses. The rapidity of progression in some cases leaves little time for treatment assessment. Horses with established fibrotic disease experience chronic breathlessness that profoundly limits quality of life. Making timely euthanasia decisions to prevent prolonged severe respiratory distress is an important welfare responsibility for owners and vets managing this condition. Earlier diagnosis through improved awareness enables more informed prognosis discussion and better decision-making timelines.