Warmblood Mare in Minnesota Tests Positive for EHV-1

On December 11, a 12-year-old warmblood mare located at a boarding facility in Washington County, Minnesota, tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), after exhibiting symptons December 9. Her treatment is underway, and she is displaying signs of recovery.

Besides this confirmed case, there are 27 additional horses at the facility that have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.

This incident is not related to the outbreak affecting the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association barrel-racing event held November 5-9.

Preventive Measures

Since the outbreak, a handful of horse shows/equine events have been cancelled, including in states without any reported cases of the virus, out of an abundance of caution. Mainly, several horse show venues have impemented prevention protocols, including disinfection practices and setting up an area with isolation stalls, as part of biosecurity measures.