12/11/2025
Please take a moment to read this if you’re concerned about the Tampa Bay Downs equine herpes announcement.
Yes, I’ve seen the post regarding the equine herpes virus at Tampa Bay Downs, and I’ve been receiving a lot of messages from worried horse owners. I’ve checked with the Florida Department of Agriculture, and I’ve also spoken with local veterinarians. Here is the information I received today.
1️⃣ This is not EHV-1/EHM (neurological).
The positive cases at Tampa Bay Downs are the respiratory form of EHV, not the neurological form (EHV-1/EHM).
These are two very different viruses:
• Respiratory EHV = similar in management to strangles; spread by close contact
• EHV-1/EHM (neurological) = much more serious and restricted differently
2️⃣ Tampa Bay Downs is not shut down.
According to the track:
• Horses are still exercising and working
• Only two barns have been quarantined
• The quarantine is simply to prevent respiratory spread
• Horses from those barns are still allowed to go to the track
• Shipping in and out has not been stopped
This situation was diagnosed days ago, but the public notice went out recently to ensure transparency.
3️⃣ Biosecurity should be practiced all year, not only during headlines.
Anytime your horses leave the property—whether for shows, trail rides, clinics, or hauling—you are exposing them to potential contagious diseases. This isn’t new and isn’t exclusive to EHV.
When our farm was heavily showing up and down the East Coast:
• We sanitized stalls before horses entered them at any venue…
• We stayed current on all vaccines
• We disinfected trailers between every use
• Show horses were kept separate from broodmares or young stock
These are good practices every barn should consider year-round.
4️⃣ Diseases don’t take a day off.
There are always contagious diseases circulating—EHV, strangles, influenza, WNV, encephalitis, etc.
State maps and tracking tools update cases continuously. Veterinarians are legally obligated to report contagious diseases to the state, which means the data is reliable.
5️⃣ If you’re unsure, ask the experts.
Before panicking or spreading incomplete information, I strongly encourage:
• Talk to your veterinarian
• Check updates from the Florida Department of Agriculture they update monthly.
The following link is updated each day specifiy dedicated to EHV1/EHM https://equinediseasecc.org/alerts?disease=71
• Follow your state’s official equine disease maps
• Keep your horse’s biosecurity and vaccine schedule current
Your horse’s health and safety depend on informed decisions, not fear.
Final Thoughts:
Horses travel constantly in Florida. They touch gates, stalls, water hoses, trailers, handlers, other horses—there is always some level of risk. This is true not only for horses, but for dogs, poultry, livestock, and any animal that travels or shows.
The protocols people are suddenly talking about now?
They’re the same protocols we should all be using all year long.
Stay calm, stay informed, and protect your horses by staying proactive—not reactive.
If anyone needs guidance or clarification, please reach out to your vet. Your horse’s well-being comes first, always.
Updates on current disease outbreaks are listed here as they occur and will include the date listed, disease name, location and current status. Specific premises will not be named but the general location by town, county and state will be listed. When locations, events or horses are at risk they wil...
