Equine Biosecurity – Especially Important During the EHV Outbreak

Equine Biosecurity Reminder — Especially Important During the Current EHV Outbreak

With the recent rise in EHV/EHM cases, now is an ideal time to revisit the everyday biosecurity practices that help keep our horses, barns, and events safer. While outbreaks are concerning, the good news is that simple, consistent habits go a long way in reducing risk.

Stay Home if You Can

Limiting travel, haul-outs, and mixing with outside horses is one of the most effective ways to slow disease spread—especially when cases are active in the region.

Vaccination Matters

Work with your veterinarian to ensure your horse’s vaccination schedule is current. While EHV vaccines don’t prevent the neurologic form, they do reduce viral shedding and overall disease pressure—both critical in outbreak mitigation.

No Sharing

Avoid sharing halters, lead ropes, towels, water buckets, bits, grooming tools, or feed tubs. Assign equipment to individual horses and disinfect regularly.

Clean & Disinfect

High-touch areas—stall doors, cross-ties, wash racks, trailer interiors, and tack surfaces—should be disinfected routinely. Choose products labeled effective against enveloped viruses like herpesviruses.

Practice Safe Distancing

Keep a buffer between horses at events, in barns with new arrivals, or when traveling. Nose-to-nose greetings may be cute, but they’re also a prime transmission route.

Monitor Temperatures Daily

Early detection saves time and stops spread. Track rectal temperatures, especially after travel or exposure to new horses. Anything above 101.5°F should be taken seriously.

Quarantine New Arrivals

Isolate new horses for 2–3 weeks. Separate equipment, limit contact, and take temps twice daily. This is one of the most overlooked—but most effective—biosecurity steps.

Maintain a VPCR

Having an established veterinary-patient-client relationship means your veterinarian knows your horses, your facility, and your management practices—allowing them to help you respond quickly and appropriately during outbreaks.

In good news, the reported case in CO is still just that - one case! Keep up the good work! For more information about biosecurity and isolation, please use the following link: https://bveh.com/biosecurity-and-isolation-guidelines-for-horse-owners/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOS8uBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEexXRG9hFRe9VimXulJN8r6CYpRcgCuljwf1E404hkImNaMfZ6kNEGioJxWEs_aem_DWP9NzxpAcW-SxaFFpVOZg