Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1/EHV-4)

Veterinary care required

This condition belongs in veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Compounds are at most supportive.

Priority · vet & management

With fever, neurological signs or abortion, call the vet immediately and lock down the herd (movement stop, strict isolation, hygiene barrier); diagnosis is by swab/blood sample (PCR). The neurological form (EHM) is urgent. Vaccination per veterinary recommendation reduces mainly airway and abortion risk but does not reliably protect against EHM.

Possible causes

• · equine herpesviruses EHV-1 and EHV-4 (Alphaherpesvirinae)
• · droplet infection as well as contact with infectious abortion material/afterbirth
• · indirectly via hands, clothing, grooming kit and equipment
• · reactivation of latent infections through stress (transport, competition, weaning)

Supportive compounds · supplementary feed, not medication

Prevention

Vaccination according to veterinary vaccination recommendation (especially for pregnant mares and competition horses), strict quarantine of purchases and competition returnees, low-stress management as well as consistent hygiene and separation of pregnant mares from changing populations.

Equiterna's take

Equiterna treats EHV with a high urgency filter: the respiratory, abortion and neurological form (EHM) belong clearly separated and veterinary-led. In Germany EHV-1 has been notifiable since 2023 (labs/vets, monitoring); in Austria there is currently no general notification requirement — clarify the status with vet/authority if in doubt.