A multi-state EHV-1 outbreak originating from the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Finals in Waco, Texas (November 5-9, 2025) has spread to at least seven states, with confirmed neurological cases in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Colorado. Approximately 1,000 horses were exposed at the index event and dispersed across dozens of states, making immediate implementation of biosecurity protocols critical for every equine facility. This guide provides actionable protocols based on AAEP, USDA APHIS, and university veterinary guidelines that barn managers can implement today.
The Texas Department of Agriculture has described this as a “particularly aggressive strain” with rapid progression and high clinical severity. However, veterinary experts confirm the strain is not new—both neuropathic (D752) and wild-type (N752) strains of EHV-1 exist naturally in equine populations. What makes this outbreak significant is the scale of exposure and the commingling of horses from multiple states at a single event.
Current EHV-1 Outbreak Status and Why Immediate Biosecurity Matters
As of late November 2025, the Equine Disease Communication Center reports confirmed cases in Texas (11 EHM cases), Oklahoma (4 cases), Louisiana (3 EHM cases), Colorado (1 EHM case), New Mexico (3 EHV-1 cases), Arizona (3 EHV-1 cases), and Washington (2 EHV-1 cases). Separate, unrelated EHM outbreaks have also been identified in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
State veterinarians across affected regions have issued hold orders and quarantine requirements. The minimum quarantine for exposed horses is 21 days from last known exposure, extending to 28 days when clinical signs (fever, neurological symptoms, or abortion) are present on premises. Any new fever, abortion, or neurological sign restarts the 28-day clock. Facilities receiving horses released from EHM quarantine should isolate these animals for an additional 28 days with twice-daily temperature monitoring.
EHV-1 is a reportable disease in most states. Veterinarians must notify their State Animal Health Official immediately upon confirmation. Facilities can report outbreaks directly through the EDCC outbreak reporting form at equinediseasecc.org.
Essential EHV-1 Quarantine and Isolation Protocols for Barn Managers
The distinction between isolation and quarantine is critical for proper disease management. Quarantine applies to horses that may have been exposed but show no clinical signs—they require monitoring and separation but with moderate restrictions. Isolation is reserved for horses showing clinical signs (fever above 101.5°F, respiratory symptoms, neurological signs) or testing positive—these require strict containment protocols.
Physical requirements for isolation areas must be non-negotiable. The minimum distance between isolated horses and healthy populations is 30 feet, though 60 feet provides additional safety margin. The AAEP recommends isolation areas have non-porous flooring (concrete preferred) for effective cleaning and disinfection, controlled access with clearly marked perimeter barriers, separate water and feed sources with dedicated equipment, adequate ventilation without shared airspace with healthy horses, and electrical access for potential veterinary care equipment.
When setting up isolation in existing barn configurations, cover any openings in stall walls (windows, gaps between boards) with solid barrier material to prevent nose-to-nose contact. Consider tarping open sections or using portable panels. If indoor isolation is impossible, establish a separate paddock area at maximum distance from other horses with temporary fencing clearly marked as restricted.
Cohort management for multiple exposed horses
Groups that traveled together can be quarantined as a cluster, as they share the same exposure history. Within cohorts, maintain the strict equipment separation and personnel protocols—cohort designation does not eliminate the risk of one horse infecting another within the group.
The daily management order for multiple groups is critical. Care for healthy, unexposed horses first, followed by exposed but healthy horses, and finally symptomatic or isolated horses last. This “clean to dirty” workflow prevents cross-contamination from higher-risk to lower-risk animals.
How to Monitor Temperatures and Identify EHV-1 Early Warning Signs
Fever (rectal temperature above 101.5°F/38.6°C) is typically the first clinical sign of EHV-1 infection, often appearing before any respiratory or neurological symptoms. The standard protocol requires twice-daily temperature monitoring at consistent times (morning and evening, at least 8 hours apart), documented on a visible log posted at each stall, recorded before exercise as activity elevates temperature, and taken with the same thermometer for each horse to establish baselines.
For horses with temperatures between 100.5°F and 101.5°F, recheck in one hour and monitor closely for other signs. Any temperature above 101.5°F requires immediate veterinary consultation and movement to isolation. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of these signs: fever above 101.5°F, nasal discharge or coughing, hindlimb weakness or stumbling (ataxia), difficulty urinating or urine dribbling, “dog-sitting” posture or inability to rise, loss of tail tone, lethargy, depression, or reduced appetite.
Requirements for Ending Quarantine: Release Criteria and Testing Rules
Release from quarantine requires a minimum of 21 days from the last known exposure with no fever during this period (temperature taken at least twice every 24 hours without NSAID treatment), no abortions or neurological signs during this period, compliance with state veterinarian requirements, and for shortened quarantine, negative PCR testing on nasal swabs for all exposed horses. If any horse develops clinical signs, the 28-day countdown restarts from resolution of the last case.
How to Disinfect Barns, Stalls, and Trailers During an EHV-1 Outbreak
EHV-1 is an enveloped virus that is relatively fragile in the environment, surviving only hours to days depending on conditions—but it can persist up to 7 days on contaminated surfaces and up to 2 weeks in water under ideal conditions. The good news: it is easily killed by most common disinfectants when used properly.
The cardinal rule of disinfection is that disinfectants only work on clean surfaces. Cleaning alone removes up to 90% of infectious agents. Organic matter (manure, bedding, nasal secretions) inactivates most disinfectants, particularly bleach. The complete protocol follows a five-step sequence: remove, clean, dry, disinfect, dry again.
Step-by-step stall disinfection protocol
First, remove all contents: buckets, hay nets, feed tubs, mats, bedding, and any loose equipment. Dispose of bedding from infected horses in heavy plastic bags or covered dumpsters—do not add to open manure piles. Second, mechanically clean by dry-scrubbing all surfaces with a stiff-bristled broom to remove visible organic matter. Pay special attention to corners, ledges, and any horizontal surfaces where debris accumulates. Third, wet-clean by mixing a detergent solution (powdered laundry detergent works well) with water. Wet all surfaces—walls, ceiling, ledges, floor—and allow 5-10 minutes for the detergent to soften dried material. Scrub thoroughly with a stiff brush, then rinse from top to bottom. Do not use pressure washers set above 120 psi, as they aerosolize pathogens.
Fourth, allow surfaces to dry completely. This is a critical step—any moisture remaining will dilute the disinfectant and reduce effectiveness. Fifth, apply disinfectant according to product label directions, working from top to bottom. Ensure complete coverage of all surfaces. Allow the required contact time before final rinse.
Choosing the Right Disinfectants for Effective EHV-1 Virus Control
Diluted household bleach (5.25-6.15% sodium hypochlorite) requires a dilution ratio of 1:10 (one part bleach to ten parts water), which equals 1.5 cups bleach per gallon of water. The required contact time is 5-10 minutes minimum. To prepare a 32-ounce spray bottle, add 3 ounces of bleach and fill the remainder with water. Important limitations: bleach is readily inactivated by organic matter, so use only on thoroughly pre-cleaned surfaces. It may cause discoloration on fabrics and some materials. Never mix bleach with ammonia (from urine) as this creates toxic fumes.
Phenolic disinfectants (1 Stroke Environ®, SynPhenol-3®, Tek-Trol®) are preferred for barn environments because they remain effective even in the presence of residual organic matter. Use according to manufacturer label instructions. These are ideal for footbaths, truck tires, trailers, and areas difficult to clean completely.
Accelerated hydrogen peroxide products (Rescue®/Accel®, Intervention®) retain activity in the presence of organic matter and are safe for both human and equine exposure. They work effectively across a wide pH range and at various temperatures. Follow manufacturer dilution instructions, typically achieving kill times of 5-10 minutes.
Peroxygen compounds (Virkon® S) are broad-spectrum, effective virucides suitable for stalls, trailers, and equipment. They are fast-acting with low toxicity at recommended concentrations. Follow label instructions for dilution ratios and contact times.
Quaternary ammonium compounds are effective when used as directed but may have reduced efficacy at cold temperatures or short contact times. Research indicates they may require 10+ minutes at room temperature for complete EHV-1 inactivation.
Chlorhexidine (Nolvasan®) solution provides broad-spectrum activity and is excellent for tools, tires, and areas where bleaching is undesirable. Use the solution formulation (not scrub) diluted according to label directions. Good for farrier tool disinfection between horses.
Iodine solutions are effective when diluted to the color of weak iced tea. These are ideal for dirt surfaces and footbaths, though they will stain surfaces yellow.
Step-by-Step Trailer Cleaning and Disinfection Instructions
Complete trailer disinfection should occur within 24 hours of transport. If the trailered horse was sick, wear protective clothing, footwear, and gloves throughout the process.
Start by removing all contents completely: sweep out all feed, bedding, and manure. Remove detachable fittings (leads, hay nets, tie rings) to wash separately. Pull floor mats for separate cleaning outside the trailer.
For the washing phase, gently rinse interior surfaces with low-pressure water only—avoid pressure washers as they aerosolize pathogens. Apply foaming soap agent and scrub with a stiff-bristle brush from TOP DOWN using overlapping 18-24 inch sections. Use appropriately sized brushes for hinges, pipes, chest bars, tail bars, latches, and ledges. Rinse thoroughly—any areas with remaining organic matter must be rescrubbed.
For disinfection, apply disinfectant to all interior surfaces using the same top-down scrubbing pattern. Spray solution on all fixtures including hayracks, pipes, latches, hinges, and ledges. Allow 10-minute minimum contact time for bleach solution. For trailers that cannot be cleaned completely, use phenolic disinfectants that remain effective with organic matter. Rinse gently after contact time. The application and scrubbing process may be repeated up to three times for heavily contaminated trailers.
Clean floor mats separately by rinsing both sides to remove debris, scrubbing and disinfecting one side completely, allowing it to dry, then repeating on the other side. Return mats only after trailer and mats are completely dry. Complete the process by cleaning and disinfecting trailer exterior including wheels, mudguards, and wheel arches. Conduct final visual inspection before returning to service.
Common Disinfection Mistakes That Allow EHV-1 to Spread
Applying disinfectant to surfaces with visible organic matter is the most common error—the organic material inactivates the product before it can kill pathogens. Insufficient contact time is equally problematic, as disinfectants need adequate time to work. Not allowing surfaces to dry between cleaning and disinfection dilutes the disinfectant. Using incorrect dilution ratios matters because more is not necessarily better, as excessively concentrated solutions can be toxic and less effective. Using frozen or partially frozen footbaths renders them ineffective, and contaminating clean disinfectant solution with dirty equipment spreads rather than eliminates pathogens.
Surfaces and Materials That Cannot Be Fully Disinfected
Porous materials including untreated wood construction, dirt floors, clay flooring, and rough-sawn lumber cannot be fully decontaminated. For these surfaces, remove all organic matter and dry-scrub thoroughly, apply disinfectant understanding results will be suboptimal, allow maximum sunlight exposure as UV light inactivates many pathogens, and leave open with ventilation for as long as feasible. Leather tack, natural fiber brushes and sponges, and heavily worn equipment with cracks or crevices should be designated to individual horses or disposed of rather than shared.
Visitor Restrictions and Personnel Biosecurity for Outbreak Control
Every person entering your facility is a potential vector for disease transmission. During an active outbreak, implementing strict access controls is not optional—it’s essential for protecting your horses and those of your boarders.
Service Provider Guidelines: Farriers, Vets, Deliveries, Waste Removal
For veterinarians, require notification of recent farm visits (ideally no horse contact within 24-48 hours). Provide disposable coveralls and boot covers, or require complete clothing change. Ensure disinfection of all equipment between horses. Request that reusable equipment (stethoscopes, thermometers) be disinfected in your presence. For suspect cases, require full PPE including gloves, coveralls, and face protection if there’s splash risk.
For farriers, request they visit your facility first in their daily schedule before visiting other farms. Provide boot disinfection station and require use. Request disinfection of all tools between horses using chlorhexidine or dilute bleach spray. Provide a clean, dry work surface away from high-traffic areas. If using phenolic spray on tools, allow complete drying before use on hooves.
For feed and bedding delivery, require parking in designated area away from horse housing. Do not allow delivery personnel or vehicles into stabling areas. Designate specific facility personnel to move supplies from delivery point to storage. Consider requiring vendor personnel to wear disposable coveralls and boot covers. Arrange single bulk deliveries during outbreak periods to minimize traffic.
For manure removal services, maintain strict separation between pickup location and horse housing areas. Do not allow vehicles to cross any horse traffic routes or exercise areas. Schedule pickup times to avoid overlap with horse care activities.
Boarder and owner access during outbreaks
During active outbreak management, consider restricting access to essential personnel only, which typically includes one designated caretaker per horse or group. Require all entrants to sign health declaration forms confirming no contact with infected horses in prior 14-21 days, no recent travel to affected areas, no illness in their own horses, and understanding and agreement to comply with biosecurity protocols.
For facilities that must maintain owner access, establish specific visiting hours to consolidate traffic, assign owners to specific entry points based on their horse’s location, require strict compliance with boot disinfection and hand hygiene, prohibit cross-barn visiting under any circumstances, and consider staggered scheduling to prevent congregation.
Boot Bath and Hand Hygiene Stations: Setup, Use, and Maintenance
A properly functioning boot disinfection station is one of your most important biosecurity tools. To set up the station, place a flat rubber or plastic tub (2-3 inches deep) at all entry and exit points to isolation areas and barn entrances. Line with synthetic turf mat (optional but improves scrubbing effectiveness). Position a long-handled scrub brush nearby. Place a boot rack or clean area for storing disinfected footwear.
For the disinfectant solution, the preferred solution is diluted Lysol concentrate (2.5 tablespoons per gallon of water) because it remains effective despite inevitable organic contamination. Alternative options include 1:10 bleach solution (effective only if boots are pre-cleaned of all organic matter), or phenolic disinfectant solutions (1 Stroke Environ®, Tek-Trol®) which remain active with some organic matter.
For proper use, scrub boots first to remove all visible debris before stepping into disinfectant. Step into bath and allow minimum 3-5 minutes contact time (longer is better). Walk through slowly, ensuring solution contacts all surfaces. For quick transitions, provide dedicated rubber boots that remain on the clean side of each station.
Maintain stations by starting each day with fresh disinfectant solution, changing solution whenever visibly dirty (may be multiple times daily during outbreak), and never topping off old solution—dump and replace completely. Keep stations stocked with scrub brushes and ensure adequate lighting for users to see what they’re doing.
Hand hygiene station requirements
Position hand hygiene stations at all entry and exit points to isolation areas, at each barn entrance, near grooming and tacking areas, and adjacent to feed preparation areas. The preferred method is washing with pump-dispensed liquid soap (not bar soap) under running water for minimum 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer containing at least 61% alcohol serves as an acceptable alternative when handwashing facilities are unavailable. When using sanitizer, first remove organic debris with hand wipes, then apply sanitizer and allow to dry for 10-15 seconds. Caution: avoid open flames due to flammability.
Client Communication Templates for EHV-1 Outbreak Notifications
Initial outbreak notification should include a statement that you are implementing enhanced biosecurity protocols in response to the current EHV-1 outbreak. Explain that while you have no confirmed cases at your facility, you are taking proactive steps to protect all horses in your care. Describe what temporary measures will be in effect beginning on the specified date. Emphasize that compliance with these protocols is mandatory and essential for the safety of all horses. Express that you appreciate cooperation during this challenging time.
For access restriction notifications, explain that due to ongoing EHV-1 outbreak concerns, visitor access to the barn area is temporarily restricted to designated personnel only. Inform horse owners that they may visit their horse during the specified hours by the designated entry point and must comply with all posted biosecurity requirements. State that these restrictions will remain in effect until further notice and that you will provide updates as the situation evolves. Include contact information for barn management with questions.
Signage and visual cues
Post visible signage in English and Spanish at all entry points identifying the facility as biosecurity-controlled. Use color-coded floor markings or tape to indicate clean vs. contaminated zones. Display clear instructions for boot bath use with step-by-step illustrations. Post hand hygiene reminders at all stations. Use warning signs on isolation area perimeters stating “RESTRICTED AREA – AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY.” Consider laminated protocol cards that can be handed to visitors upon entry.
Managing Shared Equipment to Prevent Cross-Contamination
Equipment contaminated with nasal secretions, saliva, or feces from an infected horse can transmit EHV-1 to other horses. Implementing strict equipment management is essential during outbreak conditions.
Color-coding systems for equipment
Adopt a consistent color-coding system across your facility. One effective approach uses green for healthy, unexposed horses, yellow for exposed but asymptomatic horses (quarantine group), and red for symptomatic horses (isolation). Apply colored electrical tape, paint, or zip ties to buckets, leads, grooming tools, and cleaning equipment. Ensure all staff understand the system and never mix equipment between color groups.
For facilities with multiple barns or zones, assign distinct colors by area. For individual horse assignment, use a combination of zone color plus numbered tags.
How to Assign, Clean, and Disinfect Equipment by Category
For water buckets and feed tubs, assign to individual horses whenever possible. Clean daily by scrubbing with detergent, rinsing, and allowing to dry. Disinfect weekly minimum, or immediately if horse shows any signs of illness. When filling buckets, never allow hose ends to contact bucket surfaces or water—hold hose above the bucket.
For grooming tools (brushes, curry combs, shedding blades), maintain individual sets for each horse. If sharing is unavoidable, thoroughly clean between uses, removing all hair and debris with detergent scrub, then disinfect. Brushes with natural bristles cannot be fully disinfected—use synthetic alternatives during outbreaks or dedicate to individual horses.
For thermometers, ideally assign to individual horses with identification marking. If sharing, disinfect between each use with 70% alcohol or dilute bleach, allowing complete drying. Digital thermometers are easier to disinfect than glass. Consider disposable probe covers for additional protection.
For halters and lead ropes, assign to individual horses. Launder fabric leads in hot water with regular detergent (adequate to kill EHV-1). Leather halters should be cleaned thoroughly and dried in sunlight. Nylon and rope equipment can be disinfected with dilute bleach.
For tack (saddles, bridles, bits), cannot be fully disinfected due to leather and padding. Clean thoroughly with saddle soap, paying attention to areas contacting horse’s head and mouth. Allow to dry completely in direct sunlight when possible. Bits should be scrubbed and disinfected with chlorhexidine solution between horses.
For muck forks, wheelbarrows, and manure handling equipment, designate separate equipment for each zone (healthy vs. quarantine vs. isolation). Never use manure wheelbarrows to move feed or clean bedding. Clean and disinfect daily, or immediately when moving between zones.
Isolation-Only Equipment: What Every Stall Must Have
Maintain a complete set of equipment that never leaves the isolation area including water buckets and feed tubs (minimum 2 per horse), halter and lead rope, grooming kit, muck fork and rake, dedicated wheelbarrow, thermometer, first aid supplies, and adequate PPE supply (coveralls, gloves, boot covers). Store all isolation equipment within the isolation perimeter. Replace or thoroughly decontaminate all equipment before returning to general use after isolation period ends.
When to discard vs. clean equipment
Discard equipment in these circumstances: sponges or natural-fiber brushes used on symptomatic horses, any equipment with visible damage (cracks, splinters) that prevents thorough cleaning, heavily soiled items that cannot be cleaned adequately, and low-cost items where replacement is more practical than extensive decontamination. Clean and retain items that are non-porous or smooth surfaces that can be fully cleaned, high-value items that can be thoroughly decontaminated, equipment that can tolerate bleach or chemical disinfection, and items that can be completely dried after disinfection.
Daily Barn Management During EHV-1 Quarantine: Workflow & Staff Protocols
Workflow patterns to minimize cross-contamination
The fundamental principle of “clean to dirty” workflow applies to all activities. Structure your entire day around this concept by establishing a consistent daily schedule that moves from lowest-risk to highest-risk activities.
Start with morning rounds for healthy horses (temperature checks, feeding, turnout). Follow with mid-morning care for quarantine group (monitoring, feeding, cleaning). Handle afternoon activities for isolation horses last (treatment, cleaning, feeding). Conclude the day with final checks in reverse order (isolation, quarantine, healthy) using fresh PPE for each zone. Staff who enter isolation areas should not return to healthy horse areas without complete clothing change, shower if possible, and adequate time elapsed.
Feeding Order, Staff Assignments, and Documentation Requirements
The proper feeding sequence during outbreak conditions requires feeding healthy, unexposed horses first using dedicated equipment, followed by exposed but healthy horses (quarantine group) second using zone-specific equipment, and symptomatic or isolated horses last using isolation-dedicated equipment only. Never transport feed in containers used for manure. Store feed in rodent-proof containers away from horse housing. Do not allow shared water sources—fill individual buckets, keeping hose ends elevated.
Staffing considerations
When possible, assign dedicated staff to each zone. If this is not possible, ensure staff work from clean to dirty zones throughout the day, require complete clothing change between zones, provide adequate PPE and training on proper use, and consider staggered shifts to prevent overlap between zone assignments.
Training requirements include proper PPE donning and doffing procedures, hand hygiene technique and timing, boot disinfection protocol, recognition of clinical signs (fever thresholds, neurological symptoms), documentation requirements for temperature logs and health observations, and communication protocols for reporting concerns.
Record-keeping requirements
Maintain comprehensive documentation including temperature logs for every horse (twice daily, with time recorded), clinical observation notes (any abnormalities noted), movement records (all horse movements on and off premises), visitor logs (everyone entering facility, time, purpose, areas accessed), equipment logs (cleaning and disinfection dates), communication logs (all notifications to state veterinarian, boarders, service providers), and treatment records (any medications, veterinary visits, test results).
Keep records organized and accessible for minimum 90 days. State veterinarians may request documentation during outbreak investigations.
When to Contact Your Veterinarian During an EHV-1 Outbreak
Call immediately for any horse with rectal temperature above 101.5°F, any neurological signs including hindlimb weakness, stumbling, or difficulty rising, urine dribbling or inability to urinate, any horse that becomes recumbent (unable to stand), sudden onset of respiratory signs in multiple horses, and any abortion.
Contact for guidance when you have new information about potential exposure at events, are uncertain about quarantine duration or release criteria, need advice on testing protocols, have questions about vaccination during outbreak conditions, or are managing a horse returning from an affected area.
Facility-Specific Biosecurity Plans for Boarding, Training, and Breeding Farms
Boarding barns with multiple owners
The primary challenge involves coordinating biosecurity compliance across horse owners with varying levels of knowledge and commitment. Establish written biosecurity agreements as part of boarding contracts. Include clear language about facility authority to restrict access during outbreaks, owner responsibility to report travel and potential exposures, financial responsibility for testing or treatment if owner noncompliance leads to outbreak, and consequences for protocol violations. Designate a single point of contact for owner communication and hold regular briefings (in-person or virtual) to keep boarders informed.
Training facilities with frequent horse turnover
Implement admission protocols including health certificates required for all incoming horses (ideally within 72 hours of arrival), temperature check and visual health assessment upon arrival, and mandatory isolation period for all new arrivals (2-3 weeks minimum during outbreak conditions). Maintain separate areas for short-term visitors vs. long-term residents when possible. Document the travel history of every horse entering the facility. Consider requiring proof of EHV vaccination within 6 months for all entries.
Competition venues and show grounds
Pre-event requirements should include Certificate of Veterinary Inspection required within 7 days of arrival (72 hours optimal), verification of EHV-1 and influenza vaccination within 6 months, owner health declarations regarding recent exposure history, and established isolation plan with designated stabling area.
On-site management involves twice-daily temperature monitoring with logs posted on stall doors, clean and disinfect stalls before each horse’s arrival, ensure available disinfectants are effective against EHV-1, and post USEF mandatory reporting signage for horses with fever. Pre-designate isolation facilities and veterinary resources. Maintain current contact information for state veterinarian.
Breeding farms with mares and foals
Special considerations apply because pregnant mares are at high risk for EHV-1 abortion, foals are highly susceptible to severe respiratory disease, and the stress of foaling can reactivate latent virus in carrier mares.
Protective protocols include strict separation between breeding stock and any horses that travel, extended quarantine periods for any horses returning from events, enhanced monitoring of pregnant mares during outbreak conditions, and immediate isolation of any mare showing signs of impending abortion. Consider vaccination protocols specifically for pregnant mares using products licensed for EHV-1 abortion prevention.
Emergency Contacts, Reporting Requirements, and Official Resources
For outbreak reporting, contact the Equine Disease Communication Center at equinediseasecc.org or your State Veterinarian’s office directly. The USDA APHIS Equine Health line is available at [email protected].
For clinical guidance, the AAEP Infectious Disease Guidelines are available at aaep.org. University veterinary hospitals including UC Davis, Colorado State, and Mizzou maintain active outbreak monitoring and can provide consultation support.
For real-time outbreak tracking, the EDCC maintains current confirmed case counts and affected locations at equinediseasecc.org.
The Core Quarantine Measures That Protect Your Barn
The current EHV-1 outbreak demands immediate, decisive action from every equine facility. The protocols outlined here—derived from AAEP guidelines, university veterinary recommendations, and state animal health authorities—provide the framework for protecting your horses and your community.
The most critical immediate actions are establishing twice-daily temperature monitoring for all horses, implementing strict equipment separation and cleaning protocols, controlling facility access and requiring compliance with biosecurity measures, and preparing isolation areas before they are needed. Early detection through temperature monitoring remains your most powerful tool for outbreak prevention. A single fever spike, caught early and properly managed, can prevent facility-wide exposure.
The 21-28 day quarantine periods and extensive cleaning protocols may seem burdensome, but they reflect hard-won experience from previous outbreaks. Shortcuts save time in the short term but risk catastrophic consequences for your horses and business. Remember that 60-70% of horses with EHM can recover with appropriate care, but prevention through biosecurity remains far more effective than treatment.