Equine herpesvirus (EHV) causes respiratory disease, abortion storms and neurological disease (EHM) in horses. Welfare management encompasses both prevention through biosecurity and care of affected animals.
EHV welfare management operates at two levels: preventing transmission through biosecurity that protects naive horses from exposure, and supporting horses through the disease if affected. Neurologically affected horses experience paralysis that prevents normal movement, defecation, urination and postural control - intensive nursing support including slings, bladder catheterisation and physical therapy is required to maintain welfare during recovery. Euthanasia decisions for horses that cannot stand, cannot be supported adequately or show no improvement trajectory are among the most distressing aspects of EHM management. Clear welfare assessment criteria and honest prognosis from the outset support owners through these decisions.