EHV-1 Outbreak: What Horse Owners Need to Know Right Now
- Brian Mathews
- Nov 21
- 4 min read
Updated: November 21, 2025
Author: Mathews Equine
Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. This article summarizes information from veterinarians, researchers, and reputable equine-health organizations. If you suspect illness or exposure, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Why I’m Sharing This With You
With the recent rise in EHV-1 cases, many horse owners are understandably concerned. Whether your horses travel often, attend shows, are boarded at busy facilities, or simply interact with other horses, awareness is key.
My goal is not to offer medical advice, but to provide a clear, responsible, well-sourced overview of what EHV-1 is, how it spreads, and what experts recommend. I’m also including the precautions Mathews Equine is taking as a farrier so our clients know exactly what to expect during appointments.
What Is EHV-1?
Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a contagious virus carried by many horses, often without symptoms. Certain strains can cause:
Respiratory disease
Late-term pregnancy loss
Neurologic disease (EHM: equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy)
The neurologic form (EHM) is the most severe, sometimes causing weakness, incoordination, or difficulty standing.
How EHV-1 Spreads
EHV-1 transmits easily through:
Horse-to-horse contact
Shared tack, water buckets, grooming tools
Contaminated stalls, trailers, gates, wash racks
Clothing, boots, hands, or equipment used by people between horses
A horse may shed the virus even without obvious symptoms.
Early Symptoms of EHV-1
The earliest warning sign is fever, often occurring 24–48 hours before other symptoms.
Other signs include:
Nasal discharge
Lethargy
Cough or respiratory distress
Hind-end weakness, stumbling, incoordination
Dribbling urine or trouble defecating
👉 If your horse has been traveling, take their temperature daily.
Diagnosis
Veterinarians diagnose EHV-1 through PCR testing using nasal swabs and sometimes blood samples. This test helps determine:
Presence of the virus
Whether the horse is shedding
Which variant is involved
Treatment
There is no cure for EHV-1. Treatment focuses on supportive care, such as:
Anti-inflammatory medication
Antiviral drugs (vet-prescribed)
Hydration and supportive nursing
Sling support for severe neurological cases
Early intervention gives horses the best chance for recovery.
Prevention & Biosecurity: What Experts Recommend
1. Limit Horse Movement
Avoid shows, travel, or unnecessary mingling during an outbreak.
2. Strengthen Barn Biosecurity
Don’t share equipment
Disinfect tack rooms, crossties, stalls, and trailers
Wash hands or use sanitizer between horses
3. Isolate New or Returning Horses
A 21-day quarantine is standard for horses returning from high-traffic areas.
4. Monitor Temperatures
Take rectal temperatures once or twice daily.
5. Discuss Vaccination With Your Vet
Vaccination doesn’t prevent the neurologic form, but may reduce severity and shedding.
NEW: Biosecurity Precautions Mathews Equine Is Taking as Your Farrier
As a farrier, I travel between multiple barns and properties — which makes biosecurity my responsibility, too. To help protect your horses and the broader equine community during this EHV-1 outbreak, I am implementing the following precautions in alignment with current farrier and veterinary guidelines:
🔹 1. Disinfection Between Every Appointment
I will sanitize:
Hoof knives
Nippers
Rasps
Stands
Apron surfaces
Any tool that comes into contact with horses or the ground
A virucidal disinfectant approved for equine biosecurity will be used and allowed proper contact time.
🔹 2. No Shared Tools Between Barns
When possible, I’ll avoid using the same set of tools between barns. Tools that must travel will be disinfected thoroughly between properties.
🔹 3. Clean Footwear and Clothing Protocol
Boots scrubbed/disinfected before entering a new barn
Fresh clothes or cover layers if visiting multiple farms in a day
Gloves sanitized or changed between horses if needed
🔹 4. Scheduling Adjustments
To limit risk:
I will not visit barns under quarantine or with suspected illness
Farms with high traffic may be scheduled at the end of the day
If you suspect exposure, please notify me so we can reschedule safely
🔹 5. Reduced Horse-to-Horse Contact
I will maintain physical distance between horses during work and avoid touching multiple horses without hygiene steps in between.
🔹 6. Client Communication
If I observe any concerning symptoms (e.g., fever, nasal discharge, ataxia), I will alert the owner immediately so they can contact their veterinarian.
Why This Matters
Farriers can unintentionally contribute to disease movement due to the nature of the job. By taking these precautions — and being transparent with clients — Mathews Equine aims to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
If You Think Your Horse Was Exposed
Isolate your horse immediately
Stop all movement on/off your property
Begin a temperature chart (AM/PM)
Contact your veterinarian
Update your farrier, trainer, and barn manager
Fast action protects the whole community.
Recommended Resources
Follow these authoritative sources for evolving updates:
Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC)
AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners)
Your State Department of Agriculture / Animal Health Division
Final Thoughts
EHV-1 can be frightening, but knowledge and responsible action make a major difference. My commitment at Mathews Equine is to stay informed, share reliable information, and follow strict biosecurity measures to keep your horses as safe as possible.
If you have questions or would like clarification, please feel free to reach out.
Stay safe — and give your horses an extra scratch today.— Mathews Equine
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