Horse EHV and Neurological Disease Welfare

Equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) can cause severe neurological disease. Vaccination, biosecurity, and rapid response limit welfare harm during outbreaks.

Key Facts

EHV-1 neuropathogenic strains cause equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) with significant mortality
EHM causes rear limb weakness, recumbency, and bladder dysfunction causing significant welfare harm
Vaccination reduces viral shedding and disease severity but does not fully prevent neuropathogenic disease
Major outbreaks at equestrian events have required mass isolation of hundreds of horses
Early detection and strict biosecurity during outbreaks prevents spread and limits welfare impact

Welfare Considerations

EHV neurological disease causes severe and rapidly progressive welfare harm - horses that become recumbent face profound suffering and often require euthanasia. Outbreak management through strict biosecurity, event cancellation, and rapid reporting is a welfare imperative that requires industry cooperation. Individual vaccination reduces individual risk while contributing to herd immunity.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate horses against EHV according to current guidelines from your national equine veterinary body
Practice strict biosecurity when returning horses from events in areas with EHM reports
Report suspected EHM cases to your vet and equine disease surveillance systems immediately
Support equestrian industry biosecurity programs and event health protocols