Companion Animals

Equine Herpesvirus Welfare: Management and Vaccination

Protecting horse welfare from EHV-1 and EHV-4 through vaccination and biosecurity.

Key Facts

EHV-1 causes neurological disease (EHM), abortion, and respiratory illness
EHV-4 primarily causes respiratory disease — less commonly neurological signs
Outbreaks at competition venues have caused significant welfare emergencies
Vaccination reduces respiratory and abortion forms — neurological protection is partial

Welfare Considerations

Equine herpesvirus causes welfare harm ranging from respiratory disease to catastrophic neurological failure in EHM outbreaks. Welfare management combines vaccination, biosecurity during outbreaks, and isolation of affected horses. EHM welfare decisions — humane endpoints and euthanasia criteria — are important given the often severe and progressive nature of neurological disease. Outbreak management protects both individual and herd welfare.

What You Can Do

Maintain EHV vaccination with appropriate intervals for competition and pregnant mare risk
Implement strict biosecurity when EHV is circulating at events — isolate returning horses
Know the humane endpoint criteria for EHM — irreversible paralysis requires prompt euthanasia to prevent prolonged suffering