Ag News
Equine Herpesvirus flare-up in other states draws GDA attention
Posted on Dec 03, 2025 at 11:02 AM
While there were no reported cases of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) or Equine Herpesvirus Myoencephalopathy (EHM) in Georgia as of Dec. 2, the interstate movement of horses for shows underscores the importance of keeping abreast of the disease outbreak.
As of Dec. 1, there were 46 confirmed cases in eight states, according to the Equine Disease Communication Center. All of them were west of the Mississippi River. The nearest to Georgia are three documented cases in Louisiana.
In a Nov. 19 post on social media, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) noted that it was monitoring the outbreak, which was associated with equine events in Oklahoma and Texas. There were no reports of EHV-1 or EHM in Georgia at that time, and State Veterinarian Dr. Janemarie Hennebelle confirmed to GFB media on Dec. 2, that there were still no known cases in the state.
GDA advised owners who have attended an equine event in Texas or Oklahoma since the beginning of November, to contact their veterinarian, isolate their horses, and implement twice daily temperature monitoring under the guidance of their veterinarian.
Here is guidance from a flyer the GDA is distributing to equine stakeholders:
Horse Owners: If your horses traveled to TX, OK, or other equine events where EHV/EHM exposure may have occurred:
• Isolate for 21 days after last known exposure.
• Appropriate isolation includes restricted access to other horses, avoiding the sharing of equipment or personnel and utilization of protective barrier precautions.
• Monitor horses twice daily for elevated temperature (above 101.5*), respiratory signs (nasal discharge, coughing) and for clinical signs consistent with EHM (neurologic symptoms including inability to stand, difficulty walking, lethargy, and urine dribbling).
• If any signs are noted, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Veterinarians: To report suspected or confirmed cases of EHV/EHM, call (404) 656-3667 or report online at https://gfb.ag/GAanimaldiseasereport .
Diagnosis of EHV can be difficult as periods of viral shedding and viremia may vary; paired samples, including nasal swab and whole blood, are critical.
Testing is at owner’s expense.
• Upcoming equine events: Equine herpes virus can be shed for prolonged periods of time, including in clinically healthy horses, which increases risk for continued disease spread during a EHV/EHM outbreak.
• Event Organizers: Consult with your veterinarian and understand the risks associated with hosting equine events during a multi-state outbreak. Cancellation or postponement of events is voluntary at this time but may be important to stop continued spread of disease. If events do take place, we recommend increasing biosecurity practices on site and prohibiting horses that have recently participated in events with known EHV/EHM cases.
• Horse Owners: Consult with your veterinarian on the risks associated with travel to upcoming equine events. EHV is a ubiquitous virus and commonly present in the environment, so biosecurity measures are critical to decreasing potential for disease transmission.
• Interstate Movement: Please note that many states may be implementing movement restrictions or new import requirements for equines during this outbreak. Always check with the state of destination to ensure that you are following import restrictions.
Equine Herpesvirus Information:
EHV 1 is spread from horse to horse through contact with nasal discharge or spread as aerosol droplets. Infected horses may not show clinical signs of the virus but may still act as carriers. Horses can also contract the virus by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces such as stalls, water, feed, tack, and transport vehicles. People can spread the virus from horse to horse by contaminated hands and clothing. It is important for owners to watch for signs and symptoms and practice biosecurity measures. Good biosecurity practices include extensive cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment that come in contact with affected horses, and individuals who treat or come into contact with infected horses need to follow appropriate disinfection protocols when handling multiple horses.
• A Guide to Understanding the Neurologic Form of EHV Infection
• AAEP General Biosecurity Guidelines
- Categories:
- Tags: