1411 M Road, Loma, CO 81524, US
EHV-1 and recommended guidelines
Shafer Large Animal Veterinary Associates Veterinary Services
As many horse owners are aware, a recent outbreak of EHV-1 is starting to pop up in various locations around the nation, with at least one confirmed case in Colorado so far. We have received many questions and inquiries about what the virus is, how to prevent it, and what signs to be on the lookout for.
- What type of symptoms are presented with EHV-1?
- Some symptoms can include:
Fever
Difficulty Urinating
Nasal Discharge and Cough
Deprssion
Head tilt
Loss of tail tone
Stumbling and weakness in the hind limbs followed by progression to all limbs
Falling and unable to rise
Abortion in mares
- Some symptoms can include:
- How can you narrow the risks of containment?
- Our doctors recommend that you travel during this time only on an as-needed basis and avoid going to shows or other areas where your horse may come in contact with other horses. Furthermore, do not share items that may come into contact with other horses, such as bits, bridles, or even feed buckets. Furthermore, getting yearly vaccines to lessen the risk of EHV also helps.
- I think my horse is displaying symptoms and may have come into contact with a horse exposed?
- Please quarantine the horse immediately and call us at 970-858-7000. EHV is testable, and we can perform tests to verify.
Below is a list of helpful articles and sites to learn more.
Colorado Department of Agriculture – EHV-1 Outbreak Information & Colorado Updates
Colorado State University – What Horse Owners Need to Know About EHV-1
American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) – EHV-1 & 4 Disease Guidelines
https://aaep.org/resource/aaep-infectious-disease-guidelines-equine-herpesvirus-1-4/
KKCO 11 with our own Dr. Shafer
https://www.kkco11news.com/2025/11/25/horse-herpes-virus-outbreak-linked-rodeo-events/
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help!
Phone: 970-858-7000