Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) is an umbrella term for several virus strains that affect horses, with EHV-1 and EHV-4 posing the biggest threats during outbreaks. Both viruses spread quickly and cause respiratory disease, but EHV-1 carries additional risks—including neurological complications known as equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM).
Why veterinarians worry about EHV-1
- It spreads easily in barns and trailers
- It can cause abortions in pregnant mares
- It can trigger sudden neurologic decline
- It leads to significant facility shutdowns and quarantines
The neurologic form, EHM, is rare but devastating, causing hind-end weakness, difficulty standing, and in some cases, the inability to rise.
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