It's that time of year again! Although the winter circuits are an exciting time for many in the hunter-jumper space, we tend to encounter at least one outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) during the winter season. EHV is a highly contagious viral infection that can affect horses and can cause a range of symptoms, from mild respiratory illness to more severe conditions including neurological issues. Since the virus can spread quickly, it's important to take steps to minimize your horse's and other competitors' exposure to it. By taking proper precautions when attending these major winter shows, we can help ensure that everyone has a safe and healthy show season. Below are several key practices to help keep your horse safe from EHV exposure:

Maintain Biosecurity Practices

• Quarantine New Horses: If you're introducing a new horse to your barn or facility, quarantine them for at least 14-21 days before allowing them to interact with other horses. This is important to prevent any potential spread of EHV or other infectious diseases.
• Limit Contact with Other Horses: Avoid direct nose-to-nose contact with unfamiliar horses, particularly at events or shows. EHV can be transmitted through respiratory secretions, so minimizing close contact helps reduce risk.
• Avoid Shared Equipment: Don't share grooming tools, tack, or buckets between horses, as the virus can spread through saliva, nasal discharge, or contaminated equipment.

Monitor for Symptoms

• Be Alert to Early Signs: EHV symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Neurological signs, such as uncoordinated movements or paralysis, can occur in more severe cases.
• Isolate Sick Horses Immediately: If you notice any symptoms of EHV in your horse, isolate them immediately from other horses and contact your veterinarian for guidance. Early detection helps prevent further spread.
• Keep a Temperature Log: If you suspect your horse is displaying any symptoms of EHV, keep a temperature log to monitor them as well as any other horses who may have had close contact.

Vaccinate Against EHV

• Vaccination Program: Work with your veterinarian to develop a vaccination schedule. While the EHV vaccine does not prevent all forms of the virus (especially the neurological form), it can help reduce the severity of respiratory symptoms and decrease the shedding of the virus.
• Stay Up to Date: Ensure your horse is up-to-date on the EHV vaccine. Boosters are typically recommended every 6 months for horses at higher risk (such as those attending shows or traveling).

Practice Good Hygiene and Cleanliness

• Disinfect Regularly: Clean and disinfect your horse's living area, tack, grooming tools, and equipment regularly to prevent the spread of the virus. Use a disinfectant that is effective against EHV, and ensure that all items are dried properly after cleaning.
• Wash Hands After Handling Other Horses: If you interact with other horses, wash your hands thoroughly before handling your horse or touching anything in your horse's stall.

Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Protective Gear: If handling a horse that might have been exposed to EHV or is showing symptoms, wear gloves and a mask to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. This is especially important when dealing with horses that have nasal discharge.

Stay Informed

• Follow Local Health Alerts: Stay in touch with your veterinarian and be aware of any regional EHV outbreaks. Many states and counties maintain health bulletins that will notify horse owners of outbreaks and provide specific guidelines to follow.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Ensure that all barn staff, riders, and trainers are aware of the risks associated with EHV and understand the importance of prevention. Knowledge and communication are key to limiting exposure.

By taking these steps, you can greatly reduce your horse's risk of contracting EHV and help protect the health of the entire barn or facility. Regular communication with your vet, vigilance in observing your horse's health, and maintaining high standards of biosecurity are all essential to minimizing the risks of this potentially serious disease.

Bridget Brandon is President of The Equine Expert LLC, a multi-discipline equine expert witness and consulting firm offering legal expert witness, consulting, and valuation services in court cases, legal matters, estates, and business affairs. Bridget is also the owner of ValueMyHorse LLC, providing equine appraisals, a buyers advocate service, breeding operation, farm consulting, and retirement board. Bridget is also a property and casualty field agent for Marshall Sterling selling equine, and farm and ranch insurance. For more information on Bridget, visit www.theequineexpert.com, www.valuemyhorse.com or you may contact Bridget at [email protected] or [email protected].