Equine herpesvirus-1 consensus statement.
Authors: Lunn D P, Davis-Poynter N, Flaminio M J B F, Horohov D W, Osterrieder K, Pusterla N, Townsend H G G
Journal: Journal of veterinary internal medicine
Summary
# Equine Herpesvirus-1: What Practitioners Need to Know Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) remains one of the most significant infectious threats to equine populations, with particular concern centred on its capacity to cause abortion and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM)—a neurological form of the disease that has shown a troubling rise in incidence across North America in recent years. This consensus statement, developed by leading international experts, synthesises current evidence across the full spectrum of EHV-1 management: understanding how the virus causes disease at cellular and systemic levels, recognising strain variation and its epidemiological implications, interpreting diagnostic test results reliably, optimising vaccination protocols, implementing outbreak containment measures, and selecting appropriate therapeutic interventions. The consolidation of this knowledge addresses a critical gap in equine practice, where EHV-1 presents significant biosecurity and performance challenges for facilities ranging from breeding operations to competition yards. By providing evidence-based guidance on pathogenesis, diagnostics and control strategies, the statement equips veterinary surgeons, farriers and other equine professionals with the framework to recognise infection early, prevent spread, and make informed decisions about vaccination and management. Given the serious consequences of EHM and abortion for individual horses and herd health, familiarity with the principles outlined in this consensus is essential for anyone involved in equine healthcare and biosecurity.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Veterinarians should maintain high index of suspicion for EHM given rising incidence in North America and implement appropriate diagnostic protocols and isolation procedures
- •Implement evidence-based vaccination strategies and outbreak prevention protocols specific to EHV-1 to protect both individual horses and barn populations
- •Early recognition of clinical signs of abortion and neurological disease is critical for timely diagnosis and limiting disease spread within equine facilities
Key Findings
- •EHV-1 is highly prevalent and frequently pathogenic in equids with abortion and EHM as the most serious clinical consequences
- •There has been an apparent increase in EHM incidence in North America in recent years with significant consequences for horses and the industry
- •Consensus statement synthesizes current knowledge on pathogenesis, strain variation, epidemiology, diagnostic testing, vaccination, outbreak prevention and control, and treatment