With an estimated21%ofhorsesovertheageof 15affectedbypituitary pars intermedia dysfunction(PPID),1ongoing monitoring playsacriticalroleinmanagingthis progressive condition. To further support veterinarians in evaluating treatment response, Boehringer Ingelheim has added a recheck component to its IDPPID testing program.Starting with the current spring 2026 testing period, eligible horses newly diagnosed with PPID and undergoingtreatment withPrascend (pergolide tablets)maybereevaluatedthroughtheprogram.This update enables veterinarians to assess changes in endocrine health alongside clinical signs, helping inform next steps in disease management. Veterinarians can contact their Boehringer territory manager withquestions or for more information.PPID is a progressive disease, says SteveGrubbs, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, technical manager,Equine, BoehringerIngelheim. By offeringa recheck,we are providingveterinarianswith additionalvaluable information to help guide treatment protocols, while continuing to build ourunderstanding ofPPIDandits progression.SincetheIDPPIDprogramsinceptionin2013, morethan65,000horseshavebeentested,2resulting in horses being diagnosed and subsequently treated for PPID.Besides rechecking horseswithPPID via adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), insulin, and glucosetesting, Grubbs recommends continuing to monitor changes in clinical signs observed at initial diagnosis.Thesesignscanincludechanges inattitude, decreasedperformance,delayedhaircoatshedding, and loss of topline muscle in the early stages. If the condition is more advanced, recurrent infections, exercise intolerance, and generalized muscle atrophy might be present.ThespringtestingperiodiscurrentlyopenthroughJune9,2026.ThefalltestingperiodrunsAug.18Oct.13.Formoredetails,visitIDPPID.com.1GrubbsST,NealDLandKeefeTJ.EpidemiologicalcharacteristicsofhorseswithPPIDatinitialdiagnosis.Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., St. Joseph, Mo., and Colorado StateUniversity,FortCollins,Co.2020.2IDPPIDTestingProgram,2013-2025.Dataonfile.

If you spend any time with horses, eventually you will run into some type of emergency, and its best to be preparedKnow your horses normal behavior so you can tell when something is wrong. From colic to laminitis, educate yourself so you can spot the signs early. | iStockIf youve been around horses long enough, chances are you, or someone you know, has had a medical emergency with a horse. Every horse owner will face an equine health emergency at some point, whether big or small. Proper preparationfrom first-aid supplies to advanced planningis key to diffusing a difficult situation.Know Your HorseUnderstanding your horse is crucial, says Amy Lawyer, PhD, department chair of Equine Administration and Equine Industry Programs at the University of Louisville, in Kentucky.This involves recognizing what is normal and abnormal for your horse, as well as knowing how to communicate that to your veterinarian and care team, says Lawyer. Dont hesitate to contact your vet; many injuries and illnesses must be addressed by professionals. Preparation, awareness of key clinical signs, and clear communication will help you address the issue effectively.From colic to laminitis, know what to look for by educating yourself, says Lawyer. Veterinary clinic presentations, educational events at universities and extension offices, online videos produced by professionals affiliated with equine practitioners, veterinarian-approved articles on trustworthy websites (such as TheHorse.com), and your own veterinarian can be great resources for further education. Know your horses normal vital signs and be comfortable taking them (TheHorse.com/VitalSigns). Use calm moments to practice the following with knowledgeable guidance:Heart rate To find your horses pulse, feel for it in the lingual artery under the jaw, where it crosses the bone, or listen with a stethoscope on the left side where the girth typically sits. A normal range falls between 28 and 44 beats per minute.Temperature To take your horses temperature, lubricate a digital thermometer, insert into the rectum, and wait until it beeps. Be sure to hold the thermometer in place or use string to attach a clip and clip it to the horses tail. This will help keep track of the thermometer if it falls out or prevent it from being drawn into the horse. A normal range falls between 99-101 F.Respiration Check your horses respiratory rate by observing the flank or nostrils, or by using a stethoscope. The normal respiratory range falls between 10 and 24 breaths per minute.Hydration Gently pinch the horses skin along the neck/shoulder to assess hydration; after releasing it, the skin should return to normal within approximately two seconds.Gums The horses mucous membranes should appear pink and moist. To test capillary refill, press the gums with a finger; the color should return within approximately two seconds.Your veterinarian(s) could be crucial in an emergency. In addition to knowing your horse well, establishing a strong connection with them ensures cohesive care.Build a relationship with your veterinarian so in the event of an emergency, they are already familiar with you and your horse and can assist you as effectively as possible, says Chelsie Huseman, PhD, an associate professor and extension horse specialist at Texas A&M University, in College Station.Stock Up on Horse Health Emergency SuppliesHave a set of emergency supplies on hand, stored in one location, such as a plastic tote with lid. Our experts recommend including the following items:StethoscopeDigital thermometerFirst-aid scissorsBanamine (flunixin meglumine) and Bute (phenylbutazone): Lawyer recommends writing dosages on the bottle or tube: Often, you see milligrams per kilogram, and it can be hard to do that calculation in an emergency situation.Antimicrobial scrub such as Hibiclens (chlorhexidine)Antibacterial ointment such as NeosporinCold packSterile gauze padsCotton sheet wrapsStanding wraps and pillow wrapsCohesive bandages (Vetrap/CoFlex), porous elastic adhesive cloth tape (Elastikon)Emergency info tags for halter or mane/tail in case of natural disasters/evacuationDuct tapeDiapers, which make a great nonstick absorbent padding, notes Huseman.Saline solutionLatex glovesFlashlight or headlampClean, lint-free towelsEpsom saltsPoultice pads such as AnimalintexWire cuttersExtra halters and lead ropesA twitch: While some might not like the idea of using a twitch, it is good to have one. When the horses life is on the line and you also need to protect yourself, a twitch can be a useful tool, notes Lawyer.By working ahead of time to build a positive relationship with your veterinary team and acquiring the knowledge to confidently act, you will be better prepared for emergencies.Every first-aid kit needs Bute and Banamine, but these medications require a couple of things, notes Huseman. First, you must have a relationship with your vet to obtain these, as they are prescription medications, and second, you need to have the skills to administer those medications.Indeed, to handle all of these items, you must have specific skills, says Lawyer, who recommends working with your vet to learn proper techniques and dosages. It is better to become confident with techniques without the pressure of an emergency.You can learn through reading or online, but applying that knowledge takes some skill, Huseman says. I encourage horse owners to spend a day or two shadowing their veterinarian.In situations that could pose a danger to the people involved, such as a neurologic horse struggling to stand, Lawyer notes its important to recognize that human life takes precedence over the life of the horse.Plan Ahead for Equine Health EmergenciesLawyer advises horse owners to meet with the barn owner, manager, and others who care for their horses to discuss what to do in an emergency. Be sure to note who has the authority to make decisions about your horse in your absence and what your budget is for care. If something goes wrong and you cant be reached, those who care for the horse must know how to decide, including directives for catastrophic care such as whether youd choose to send a horse to colic surgery. Some barns provide a document for owners to indicate what measures they would elect on behalf of their horses in the event they are unreachable. While difficult to think about, making these arrangements ahead of time will help when minutes count.If there were a situation in which you were not available to provide care, think about what paperwork would provide quick and clear guidelines, says Huseman. Print this out and save it in a folder at the barn. Even consider asking your vet for a copy of your horses medical records.RELATED CONTENT | Podcast: Planning for Equine EmergenciesKeep this paperwork for your horse accessible, including:Contact information for the veterinarian, including after-hours phone numbers and a second or even third veterinary clinic to try in the event practitioners at your clinic are unavailableAny medications given to your horse, including dosagesNegative Coggins test, vaccination records, and any other relevant paperworkInsurance basics, including the type of coverage, policy number, and the companys contact information (more on this in a moment)Contact numbers for individuals who can act on your behalf, such as a spouse, close friend, or trainer (Be sure to let them know they are listed as contacts.)Any other critical informationBe sure to provide equine insurance information to those who care for any insured horse. Many insurance policies have stipulations about reporting, says Lawyer. Unfortunately, if every step isnt fulfilled the way it should be, they may deny the claim.Huseman says this could include notifying the insurance company before a major procedure, such as colic surgery. She recommends deciding on your maximum budget for veterinary intervention, even considering building equine emergency costs into your personal emergency fund or a separate account.Transportation in an EmergencySome emergencies require transporting the horse to a clinic. Lawyer highlights key considerations for making this possible under difficult circumstances:Train your horse to load in a trailer so that in an emergency, when time is of the essence and emotions are high, you have one less thing to worry about. | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The HorseTraining your horse in advance to easily load in the trailer.Having a plan for transport: This might be keeping your own truck and trailer accessible, connecting with a local horse hauler so you have a working relationship, or maintaining personal connections with other horse owners who can help you.Knowing the location of equine veterinary referral centers in your area.An issue I often encounter in my role in equine extension is horse owners who dont own a trailer; this can be tricky, particularly in an emergency situation, notes Huseman. Horse owners without their own transportation need to have plans in place. Plan ahead so youre not caught unprepared in an emergency.What Constitutes an Emergency?Depending on the level of experience, one horsepersons idea of an emergency might be different from another persons. But there are common problems that, depending on their severity, are emergencies on everyones list. These could include the following medical emergencies:ColicLameness or leg injuriesHoof issues (abscesses, laminitis)Lacerations and other woundsChokingEye injuriesAllergic reactions or anaphylaxisDystocia (difficult birth)Heatstroke or dehydrationToxicity or poisoningTemperature over 105 FThere are also plenty of nonmedical emergency situations. These include:Barn fireEscaped or loose horseNatural disasters (floods, tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes)Trailer accidents or breakdownsHorse getting cast or stuck (mud, fence, stall, trailer)Theft or vandalismPower outage (affecting water pumps, lighting, and security systems)Equipment failure (broken fences, stall doors, waterers, tack, etc.)Preparation Is KeyEducate yourself so you are prepared, says Lawyer. Having a plan and know how reduces stress in emergencies. When you have thought through and planned for worst-case scenarios ahead of time, you often have better outcomes.

According to the USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, one new vesicular stomatitis (VSV)-positive equine premises has been identified inMontezuma County, Colorado.Since October 2025, VSV has been identified at 15 equine premises in Arizona. This is the first premises that has been identified outside of Arizona. All confirmed caseshave been vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus (VSNJV) serotype.The last outbreak of VSV in the U.S. occurred from May 2023 through January 2024, affecting 319 premises across California, Nevada, and Texas. VSV circulates annually between livestock and insect vectors in southern Mexico and only occasionally results in incursion to the U.S.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Vesicular StomatitisVesicular stomatitis is a viral disease of horses, donkeys, mules, cattle, swine and New World camelids that occurs in the Western Hemisphere. It is named for the characteristic vesicular lesions it causes in the form of blisters, crusts and ulceration of the lips, muzzle, nose, tongue, ears, sheath, teats and/or coronary band. The virus is transmitted by biting midges and therefore is seasonal.Clinical Signs for vesicular stomatitis include:Vesicle formation leading to ulcerative lesions on the lips, muzzle, nostrils and tongue. The tongue is often the most severely affected area.Ulceration of the inner surface of the lips.Crusting of the muzzle, nostrils, and/or inside the ears.Excessive salivation secondary to the oral lesions.Difficulty picking up and chewing feed.Lameness due to painful erosions on the coronary band.Lesions can occur on the udder, sheath and inside of the ear.Lesions can develop secondary infections resulting in slow-to-heal wounds.Animals on pastures are at increased risk of vesicular stomatitis.Initial diagnosis is based on recognition of characteristic vesicular lesions. Infection is confirmed via laboratory testing for serum antibodies and/or virus identification in fluid samples from active lesions. Veterinarians are required to report suspected cases to state/federal animal health officials who will direct sample submission to an approved regulatory laboratory for diagnostic testing.There is no specific treatment for vesicular stomatitis. Best practices include implementing good biosecurity and treating affected horses with pain relievers, anti-inflammatories and supportive care as recommended by a veterinarian.Isolating all affected animals and placing the premise on immediate quarantine is required until all horses have fully recovered and no active lesions are present. The State Veterinarian will work with the local veterinarian to determine and implement necessary quarantine procedures.

Regular farrier visits are essential to maintaining a horses hoof quality. | Getty ImagesIts true that much of a horses hoof quality is determined by geneticstheres no substitute for good feet on a sire and dam. But that doesnt mean a horse with naturally weaker hooves is out of luck. In fact, theres plenty that can be done to improve a horses hooves throughdiet and management. Here are five secrets to encouraging stronger hooves in any horse.1. Optimize nutritionFeeding for healthy hooves doesnt have to be complicated. Most commercial feed products provide the necessary nutrition for average horses and those at specific life stages or activity levels. Choose one that is formulated for your horses situation, and youll be feeding all of him, including his hooves, well. If your horse is on a primarily forage-based diet, buy the best quality hay you can find to replace the nutrition lost when grazing is no longer available. If you are unable to consistently secure good hay, talk to your veterinarian about using a ration balancer pellet that can provide needed nutrition without unneeded calories.2. Stick to a consistent shoeing scheduleRegularfarrier visitsare essential to maintaining a horses hoof quality. Hooves that are allowed to grow too long are more likely to chip and crack, defects which can weaken the entire foot. Having professional eyes on your horses hooves regularly can also catch situations brewing before they become full-blown problems. Get your horse on a six-week shoeing schedule with a reliable farrier and then keep those appointments faithfully.3. Maximize opportunities for exerciseMovement increases blood flow, encouraging growth and providing feedback needed for the horn to grow strong. If you ride less often at certain times of year, remember turnout is just as beneficial for hooves. Consider 24-hour turnout if at all possible. With proper blankets and shelter, even a clipped horse can stay warm enough for turnout in frigid weather, and with substantial shade, access to water, and a comprehensive fly-control program in place, horses can comfortably spend their summer months outdoors as well.4. Consider a hoof supplementSeveral feed supplements formulated to improve hoof health are available. One key ingredient is biotin, a B vitamin that supports the production of keratin, a protein that provides the structural basis for hair and hooves. Researchers have shown that biotin can encourage hoof growth and improve horn quality. When shopping for a supplement, look for one with a comprehensive ingredient label and contact information for the manufacturer in case you have questions or concerns.5. Stay vigilant against thrushA bacterial infection of the underside of a horses hooves, thrush isnt typically debilitating. But it is smelly sign that all is not well with your horses feet. Thrush isnt always the result of neglect or dirty beddinginactivity or hoof imbalances can contribute, and some horses are just prone to the condition. Pick out your horses hooves daily, looking for signs of thrush. If you suspect its developing, there are a number of commercial products available that are safer than homemade concoctions. Just follow the instructions on the label and consult your farrier or veterinarian if you are concerned.

Veterinarians might consider colic surgery when a horses pain is severe or persistent and doesnt respond to medical treatment, or when diagnostics suggest an impaction or intestinal displacement. Researchers have shown the best surgical outcomes are typically seen in horses treated early, before significant damage occurs. Prognosis also depends on the specific type of colic and severity of damage. In this Ask TheHorse Live excerpt, Bianca Ruspi, DVM, equine surgery resident at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, and Michael Fugaro, VMD, Dipl. ACVS, owner and founder of Mountain Pointe Equine Veterinary Services, in Hackettstown, New Jersey, explain when they usually recommend colic surgery for horses and how they come to that decision.This podcast is an excerpt from our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, Equine Colic 101. Listen to thefullrecordinghere.About the Experts: Michael Fugaro, VMD, Dipl. ACVSMichael Fugaro, VMD, Dipl. ACVS, is the owner and founder of Mountain Pointe Equine Veterinary Services, in Hackettstown, New Jersey. Fugaro received his VMD at the University of Pennsylvanias School of Veterinary Medicine, in Kennett Square, where he graduated in 1997. He then completed a large animal internship at the University of Guelph, in Ontario, Canada, and a large animal surgical residency at Purdue University, in West Lafayette, Indiana. Previously, Fugaro was the resident veterinarian and a tenured full-professor at Centenary University, in Hackettstown. He has also taught as a visiting instructor at Rutgers University in the Animal Science Department, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Fugaro has held veterinary positions with the New Jersey Department of Agricultures Division of Animal Health and the New Jersey Racing Commission. He has also been the president of the New Jersey Association of Equine Practitioners, an advisory board member for the Rutgers University Board for Equine Advancement (RUBEA), and an admissions committee member for University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine. When not performing surgeries, Fugaro enjoys golfing and going to the gym. He resides in Morris County, New Jersey, with his wife, Donna, and dog, Curtis.Bianca Ruspi, DVMBianca Ruspi, DVM, is a third-year resident in equine surgery at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. She attended the University of Kentucky (UK), in Lexington, for her undergraduate degree and Cornell University, in Ithaca, New York, for veterinary school. She is interested in orthopedic surgery and joint disease and is pursuing a PhD at UK's Gluck Equine Research Center following her residency.

Theres EHV-1 virus in every little droplet coming out of an infected horses nose. | Adobe stockThe outbreak of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) in late 2025, with cases traced back to a show in Waco, Texas, brought with it a host of confusion and misinformation.In this excerpt from The Horses Equine Innovators podcast episode EHV-1 Explained: What the Science Tells Us, Lutz Goehring, DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, professor of equine infectious diseases at the University of Kentuckys Gluck Equine Research Center, in Lexington, describes the basics of EHV-1 and how it progresses to the neurologic form, equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). You can listen to the full conversation on TheHorse.com/equine-innovators-ehv1 or wherever you get your podcasts.How Does EHV-1 Spread in a Horse Population?EHV-1 is a virus that uses the cells in the respiratory tract to replicate. Theres virus in every little droplet that comes out of the horses nose. Once a horse becomes infected, he becomes a multiplier. So, imagine that in every sneeze, in every snort, there is virus in those little droplets. This is how virus spreads from one host to the other, most efficiently through direct contact, such as two horses rubbing noses.Short-distance travel is also a potent option for this virus to cross from one host into the other. What we call fomites (objects, hands, body parts, etc.) can transfer virus after contact from one horse to the other, and you initiate a cascade when this is not halted. Several horses start replicating, and this is how an outbreak gets rolling.Why Do Outbreaks Occur?A lot of horses are carriers of EHV-1; we call them latent carriers. These horses, when transported, when going to shows, when seeing the vet, they have the capacity to reactivate that dormant virus in their tissues, and it returns to the respiratory tract. They might shed the virus in small amounts (without showing clinical signs), and we need to make sure these horses or new arrivals on a farm are not in immediate contact with others.We see these outbreaks regularly. Over the years for Canada and the United States, we have somewhere between 40 to 80 outbreaks that are reported on the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) webpage every year. Theres also probably a set of unreported outbreaks that add up to that. We see these home barn outbreaks regularly. Outbreaks at shows or events are rare.Special Feature: Everything You Need to Know About EHV-1How Does EHV-1 Become EHM?Equine herpes myeloencephalopathy is a multifactorial disease with a strict requirement that you have infection of the respiratory tract, and you have migration of virus to the local lymph nodes, where it replicates. From that point on, the virus can spread throughout the bloodstream and goes into the viremic phase. This is the transportation phase of the virus in the bloodstream, which is how this virus reaches the small vessels in the spinal cord and central nervous system. It causes multiple mini-strokes up and down the spinal cord. The more there are, the more the clinical picture changes from mild to moderate ataxia (incoordination) to complete paralysis (inability to get up).A factor needed for infection is this viremic phase. There are viral strains among the family of EHV-1 that go into a higher proportion of viremia for longer days. So, there is more going into the spinal cord to cause disease. But there are also host factors that favor the development of this neurologic component. And we have a strong connection with breed, age, and female sex. Only viremic horses are at risk to develop EHM. While viremia development is controlled by the immune system, EHM is a condition that involves host risk factors and, potentially, an immune system caught by surprise, as we see EHM developing more frequently and more severely during the first half of an outbreak. Taller horses like Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, and Warmbloods are most frequently affected, while Arabians and pony breeds are spared.TakeHome Message Equine herpesvirus1 is a common respiratory virus that spreads through nasal droplets and contact between horses. While many infections remain mild, a slim proportion can progress to the serious neurologic form, EHM. The EHM outbreaks are infrequent and most commonly occur at home barns/training barns during winter and spring months. The shift to EHM depends on both viral behavior and immune status. Individual risk factors (age, breed, sex, immune status) are important in EHM development. Understanding how the virus spreads and which horses are most vulnerable is key to reducing transmission and improving outcomes.This article is from the Spring 2026 issue ofThe Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care. We at The Horse work to provide you with the latest and most reliable news and information on equine health, care, management, and welfare through our magazine and TheHorse.com. Your subscription helps The Horse continue to offer this vital resource to horse owners of all breeds, disciplines, and experience levels. To access current issues included in your subscription, please sign in to theAppleorGoogleapps ORclick herefor the desktop version.

Photo: Shelley PaulsonGastric ulcers are common in both performance and pleasurehorses, but the clinical signs can be easily overlooked. Affected horses might showpoor performance, changes in attitude, decreased appetite, or unexplainedweight loss. Because the horses stomach continuously produces acid and isdesigned forforaging, management factors such as intermittent feeding, high-starch diets, and stressfrom transport orworkcan contribute to ulcer development.The only way to definitively diagnose gastric ulcers is through gastroscopy, soits important to work with your veterinarian if you suspect your horse might have them.Register now for this free Ask TheHorse Live event to submit your questions and learn more about equine gastric ulcers.Register NowAsk The Horse Live begins on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. EDT Days Hours MinutesAbout the Experts: Laramie Winfield, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, cVA, cVMMP Laramie Winfield, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, cVA, cVMMP, grew up in the Salinas Valley, riding horses with her mom and sisters. Winfields professional interests are equine internal medicine, emergency and critical care, neonatology, acupuncture, sports medicine, and ophthalmology. Winfield is certified in veterinary acupuncture and is also a veterinary medical manipulation practitioner, having completed her training at the Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute in Reddick, Florida. In integrating her riding background with her training in internal medicine, acupuncture, and spinal manipulation Winfield strives to offer a comprehensive view of horse health and performance. Winfield is an equity partner at Steinbeck Peninsula Equine Clinics, in Salinas, California. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Nick Carlson, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, and their children. She loves horseback riding and three-day eventing with her horse Franky. James D. Conway III, DVMJames D. Conway III, DVM, is the associate director of veterinary technical services at Bimeda. He previously held the same roles at Dechra Veterinary Products and Contura Vet. Conway has been an industry veterinarian for the past 10 years. Prior to his role in industry, he served as an associate veterinarian at a large regional referral lameness and rehab facility in North Texas. Conway completed an internship at Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery, in Weatherford, Texas, and upon completion started his own lameness and sports medicine practice in the panhandle of Texas and Oklahoma. He is a 2012 graduate of Colorado State University Veterinary School, in Fort Collins, where he was heavily involved with equine stifle and condylar fracture research. Conway's publications on bisphosphonates, the equine stifle ethesis, and medial condylar fractures can be found in Equine Veterinary Education and Equine Veterinary Journal.

On May 8, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) confirmed that eight Quarter Horses in Riverside and San Bernardino counties have tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA).In San Bernardino County, six horses are confirmed positive, and seven others on the property have potentially been exposed. In Riverside County, a 4-year-old stallion and a 5-year-old mare tested positive, and one other horse on the premises is potentially exposed.All exposed horses initially tested negative for EIA but will be quarantined and retested after 60 days, as required by the CDFA and USDA. Epidemiological tracing has confirmed these positive cases to be linked. The CDFA has been to each site and is monitoring the situation.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About EIAEquine infectious anemiais a viral disease that attacks horses immune systems. The virus is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids from an infected to an uninfected animal, often by blood-feeding insects such as horseflies. It can also be transmitted through the use of blood-contaminated instruments or needles.ACoggins test screens horses blood for antibodiesthat are indicative of the presence of the EIA virus. Most U.S. states require horses to have proof of a negative Coggins test to travel across state lines.Once an animal is infected with EIA, it is infected for life and can be a reservoir for the spread of disease. Not all horses show signs of disease,but those that do can exhibit:Progressive body condition loss;Muscle weakness;Poor stamina;Fever;Depression; andAnemia.EIA has no vaccine and no cure. A horse diagnosed with the disease dies, is euthanized, or must be placed under extremely strict quarantine conditions (at least 200 yards away from unaffected equids) for the rest of his life.

On May 8, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirmed that a horse at an Alachua County farm tested positive for strangles. Twenty-six other horses on the premises have been exposed, and the property is under quarantine. This is the ninth confirmed farm with strangles in Florida in 2026.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

On May 8, the New Hampshire State Veterinarian Office confirmed two horses positive for strangles. One horse resides in Strafford County and is the only animal on the farm. The other horse lives at a boarding facility in Belknap County, which will remain under quarantine until there are no other known new cases.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.