Equine herpesvirus causes respiratory disease, abortion storms, and neurological disease in horses, with welfare implications for both affected individuals and herd populations.
Horses with neurological EHV-1 (EHM) suffer from varying degrees of ataxia, bladder paralysis, and inability to stand. Recumbent horses face severe secondary welfare consequences including pressure sores, aspiration pneumonia, and psychological distress from loss of postural control - particularly distressing for prey animals whose survival instinct is to remain upright. Supportive care is intensive and labor-demanding. Prevention through vaccination, biosecurity at competitions, and prompt isolation of respiratory cases represents the key welfare strategy.