Lebanon Equine Clinic

11/22/2025

Update for our clients: Still no cases in Ohio. 🙏

⚠️ Update as of 11/21/25: The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) reports that there are currently no confirmed cases of EHV/EHM in Ohio.

ODA is coordinating with affected states and awaiting trace information from Texas and Oklahoma. If any traced exposures involve Ohio horses, ODA will contact owners directly and issue quarantines as appropriate to help mitigate further disease spread.

This multi-state outbreak is an important reminder of the disease risks associated with large commingling equine events. It highlights the importance of timely disease reporting and adherence to movement requirements, including veterinary inspections and health certificates prior to travel.

Horse Owners:
EHV/EHM is a reportable disease in Ohio. If your horses traveled to Texas, Oklahoma, or other equine events where EHV exposure may have occurred, please contact ODA directly at 614-728-6220 for guidance on isolation and monitoring.

Exposed horses should be isolated for 21 days after last-known exposure and isolation should include restricted access to other horses, avoiding shared equipment or personnel, and using appropriate protective barriers.

Monitor exposed horses twice daily for fever above 101.5°F, respiratory signs (nasal discharge, coughing), and clinical signs associated with equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM), such as difficulty walking, lethargy, inability to stand, or urine dribbling.

If any of these signs are observed, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Upcoming Equine Events:
EHV can be shed for prolonged periods of time — even by horses that appear clinically healthy — which increases the risk of continued spread during an outbreak.

Interstate Movement:
Many states may implement movement restrictions or new import requirements for equines during this outbreak. Always check the destination state’s current requirements before traveling.

About EHV/EHM:
EHV-1 is spread through contact with nasal discharge or aerosol droplets and can persist on contaminated surfaces such as stalls, feed, tack and transport vehicles. People may also spread the virus via contaminated hands and clothing. Good biosecurity —thorough cleaning and disinfection, proper handling protocols, and limiting contact with affected horses — is essential to reduce transmission.

Stay up to date using the Equine Disease Communication Center web page: https://equinediseasecc.org/equine-herpesvirus

Use AAEP biosecurity guidelines:https://aaep.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/AAEP-General-Biosecurity-Guidelines_1.pdf

If you have questions beyond what we've shared in this post, please give our office a call at (614) 292-6661.

11/22/2025

Register for the most sound and pertinent information. 📖🩺

In light of the current EHV-1 outbreak, the AAEP and the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) have organized a horse owner education webinar to bring you the most up to date information on this issue.

Next Tuesday, join specialists Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges (Texas Animal Health Commission Executive Director and Texas State Veterinarian), Dr. Krista Estell (AAEP/EDCC) and Dr. Katie Flynn (USEF) for an informative discussion about what EHV-1 is, how to recognize it, and most importantly, how to prevent its spread.

This webinar is FREE, but registration is required. Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/AnIoJrASj0vuX7Q_K87mKEjg5bxeMAkqp7fpSoOgVtVm_Zgo1g5m~AiiV7ZQ3bbmlEW2iSkeRTSAfMCYf2QhFMoprr7WRbM_MsiJRcBGT1oLj0Q

*PLEASE NOTE: the attendee limit for this session is capped at 1,000. However, all who register will be emailed a link to an on-demand recording that will become available 24 hours after the live session ends.

11/20/2025

EHV-1 Outbreak 🚨 Please read entirely

With the recent Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) outbreak in Texas, we want to remind all of our clients about the importance of biosecurity protocols. While this strain is very concerning and information is flooding social media, there are currently NO confirmed cases in Ohio. There’s no need for panic — just smart, proactive caution.

What to Know About EHV-1
• Highly contagious; can lead to respiratory illness, fever, and neurologic symptoms
• Watch for: nasal discharge, coughing, loss of appetite, weakness, stumbling, or difficulty urinating or defecating

Recommended Biosecurity Measures
• Isolate any horse that has recently traveled or attended events
• Limit visitors and visits to your barn
• Disinfect stalls, trailers, equipment, and high-traffic areas
• Avoid sharing grooming tools, tack, buckets, or trailers
• Take your horse’s temperature twice daily

We know this is very scary for you and your beloved horses. We will continue to post information as we learn more. The Equine Disease Communication Center is a great source to hear of any further states affected. Please stay safe, make smart decisions, and practice proper biosecurity.

We are here to help. Make sure your horses are up to date on their vaccines (6-way or Flu/Rhino), and please contact us should you need any care.
Please post any questions or concerns here as we ask you do not flood our front office with phone calls regarding the outbreak.

What is Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)?

You've probably heard it called Rhinopneumonitis, a respiratory tract disease that results in "snotty noses," but EHV is more than that. Depending on the strain, this virus can also cause abortion in broodmares, and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — the often-deadly neurologic form of the disease.

Because EHV is endemic in many equine populations, most mature horses have developed some immunity through repeated natural infection. However, they remain a source of infection for other susceptible horses, like weaned foals and yearlings, who usually display symptoms of the respiratory form of the disease in autumn and winter. Performance and show horses are also more vulnerable to the disease, as they commingle with unfamiliar equines in close quarters while under stress from travel and competition.

Proper biosecurity protocols can help reduce EHV outbreaks and other disease transmission. A variety of vaccines are also available for protection against both the respiratory and abortive form of the disease, but there is no equine licensed vaccine at this time that has a label claim for protection against the neurologic form (EHM).

Consult your primary equine veterinarian to learn more about this disease and work with them to determine the optimal vaccine protocol for your horses.

You can learn more about all three forms on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website here: https://equinediseasecc.org/infectious-diseases

11/14/2025

Regular grooming isn’t just about looks — it's preventive healthcare!

Brushing prevents painful mats, distributes natural oils, and lets you check for lumps or skin issues. Nail trims prevent joint problems. Make grooming a bonding experience with treats and praise.

Need help? Our team can demonstrate proper techniques!

10/10/2025

Time for Fall vaccines? Call Lebanon Equine Clinic and set your appointment! 📅