On May 6, 2026, veterinarians in Douglas County, Nebraska confirmed that an 8-year-old Quarter Horse at a private facility tested positive for the respiratory form of equine herpesvirus. The horse, recently purchased in Iowa and transported to Nebraska, began showing clinical signs on April 6. The attending veterinarian reported symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge, petechiae, and swelling in various areas of the body. The horse is currently affected but alive.
EDCC Health Watch is a program by Equine Network that uses information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and share verified equine disease reports. The EDCC is a nonprofit organization supported by industry donations to provide open access to infectious disease information.
EHV 101
Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause various ailments including rhinopneumonitis, abortion in broodmares, and EHM.
Initial signs of EHV-1 infection in horses may include fever, cough, decreased appetite, and nasal discharge. Pregnant mares may not show signs before aborting, which typically occurs late in gestation. Neurologic signs of EHM include ataxia, weakness, and paralysis of limbs.
Herpesvirus spreads through close contact, contaminated equipment, or contact with infected individuals. Biosecurity measures are crucial to prevent disease transmission. Vaccines may reduce viral shedding but do not protect against neurologic EHV-1. Prevention through biosecurity practices is key to disease control.