In November 2025 an outbreak of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) occurred. This pathogen predominantly causes respiratory signs but can cause issues such as neurologic disease in infected horses and abortion in pregnant mares. Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine researchers are investigating EHV-1 to determine where the virus resides in the body during latency, when it hides inside a horses cells without causing clinical signs. This could help scientists develop a vaccine against the neurologic version of the virus; currently, only vaccines for the respiratory form exist.LSU Vet Med Department of Pathobiological Sciences faculty members Udeni Balasuriya, BVSc, PhD, professor; Cme Thieulent, PhD, assistant research professor; and Mariano Carossino, DVM, PhD, associate professor of veterinary pathology, received a Charles V. Cusimano Equine Health & Sports Performance Research Grant to investigate the Rapid detection of latent equine respiratory herpesviruses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and peripheral tissues by multiplex one-step dPCR assays.This project focuses on improving how veterinarians detect latent EHVa challenging aspect of the disease. Several factors can reactivate the virus (e.g., stress, immune suppression) and it can then spread to susceptible horses. Outbreaks can be difficult to predict or control, as seen in November 2025. These researchers are working to develop a rapid, highly sensitive molecular digital PCR assay to detect hidden infections before they lead to disease and new outbreaks. This toolwill be invaluable for vaccine developmentas researchers gain a better understanding of exactly where the virus resides during these latent periods.EHV-1 outbreaks can halt competitions where horses are present, affect breeding operations, and lead to severe illness. By giving veterinarians a clearer picture of the virus during latency, this project could improve animal health and welfare and disease control for horses.

Boehringer Ingelheim announced the recipients of the 2025 Advancement in Equine Research Awards during the 71stannual American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention in Denver, CO, Dec.610.The recipients were chosen based on their research proposals, which included subject matter focused on equine infectious disease.Recipients are the following:Yosra Helmy, DVM, MVSc, PhDMaxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of KentuckyLexingtonCarolyn E. Arnold, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVSSchool of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech UniversityAmarilloAjran Kabir, DVM, MSc*Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of KentuckyLexingtonNicola Pusterla, DVM, PhD, Dipl ACVIM, AVDCSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisAlexis Smrekar, BS*, and Amanda de Mestre, BVSc, PhD, PGCAPCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell UniversityIthaca, New York*Graduate student recipientsAt Boehringer Ingelheim, we believe that the health and well-being of animals is pivotal to the success of moving life forward for both humans and animals,said Steve Grubbs, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, technical manager for Boehringer.Our dedication and passion for the advancement of equine research makes Boehringer a global leader in its field. Previous award recipients have made significant contributions to the advancement of research in equine infectious disease, and we anticipate this years recipients will follow suit.Those eligible to submit proposals included veterinarians, diagnosticians, and public and private researchers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.Boehringer launched its Advancement in Equine Research Awards program in 2011 to support veterinary research that results in practical applications for insights into important equine infectious and noninfectious diseases. Nearly $1 million has been awarded to date in support of equine research.

A donkey in Bowie County, Texas, has tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). The donkey was recently purchased from the Bowie Livestock Sale and was transferred to a referral hospital for care on Dec. 17.This case is not associated with the outbreak in Waco, Texas.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.EHV 101Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and EHM.In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected.In addition to fever, other common signs of EHV-1 infection in young horses include cough, decreased appetite, depression, and a nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation (around eight months) but can be earlier. Abortions can occur anywhere from two weeks to several months following infection with EHV-1.Horses with EHM usually have a fever at the onset of the disease and might show signs of a respiratory infection. A few days later, neurologic signs such as ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the fore- and hind limbs, urine retention and dribbling, loss of tail tone, and recumbency (inability to rise) develop.Herpesvirus is easily spread by nose-to-nose or close contact with an infectious horse; sharing contaminated equipment including bits, buckets, and towels; or clothing, hands, or equipment of people who have recently had contact with an infectious horse.Routine biosecurity measures, including hygiene and basic cleaning and disinfection practices, should be in place at all times to help prevent disease spread.Current EHV-1 vaccines might reduce viral shedding but are not protective against the neurologic form of the disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize viral spread, and the best method of disease control is disease prevention.

One horse in Stevens County, Washington, has tested positive for strangles after returning home from training. The owner recently bought two other horses, and they have all commingled.The infected horse is under veterinary care.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 Nov. 6, a 15-year-old Paint mare in Waupaca County, Wisconsin, tested positive for strangles. The mare developed clinical signs on Oct. 31 and has recovered.Three additional horses at the facility were also likely infected, but they were not very ill, and they all responded to treatment.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.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture, one horse in Palm Beach County has tested positive for strangles. Nine additional horses have been exposed.This is Floridas 33rdconfirmed strangles case in 2025.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.

A Hampshire-based horse owner has won the top prize of an Ifor Williams trailer in an online fundraising rafflewhich raised 15,000in aid of Equine Grass Sickness (EGS).Carol Cheshire from North Baddesley entered the raffle after hearing about it through a friend who has a horse which suffered from EGS.Im thrilled to have won and totally shocked, I dont think I have won anything in my life, so this might be the first, said Carol.I bought the raffle tickets because I knew the money would be going towards research into EGS.I know a lot about EGS because one of my friends who lives in Scotland has a horse which got sick with EGS and thankfully survived it, and she encouraged everyone to buy the raffle tickets.Im really pleased to have supported research into EGS and in fact made a donation separately from the raffle to support the research work because its really important and I am really grateful to have received the horsebox.Devastating diseaseEGS was first recognised in eastern Scotland in 1907.It is highly complex and involves damage to the horses autonomic nervous system, which functions unconsciously and regulates internal body functions such as gut peristalsis.The latter moves the food along the gut during the digestive process. It is this gut function that is damaged in equine grass sickness, with a whole or partial gut paralysis resulting.A major breakthrough occurred in 2024, whenresearchers found a probable cause for equine grass sickness:a neurotoxin produced by pasture microbes.Experts have been searching for the cause of EGS for over 100 years and it is hoped that this discovery will enable scientists to develop new treatments and improve diagnostics for those horses suffering from the illness.Joining forcesCarol and her husband Richard received the horsebox from Sean Cooper,general manager at Stirling Trailer Centre,who travelled from Scotland to deliver the prize.Stirling Trailer Centre heard about the raffle when their managing director, Robin Gray, attendeda Rural Education Trust meeting where he met Anne Logan, chair of the Moredun Foundation Equine Grass Sickness Fund (EGSF) the only registered UK charity dedicated solely to tackling the disease.The companydecided to donate anIfor Williams HBX506 horseboxas a prize and when Ifor Williams Trailers themselves heard about the raffle, they offered to cover half the cost of the trailer.We were thrilled to get Ifor Williams Trailers backing and it was great to partner with them as always. We have been an official Ifor Williams Trailers distributor for 10 years now so it has been a nice way to mark a decade of working together, said Sean.We are happy to have supported the drive to try to find a cure for this disease and to stop the suffering of animals.We always try to help the local community and those involved in local agriculture and farming in particular.Image Mark Ferguson.Related contentHow three horses survived equine grass sicknessColic in horses: all you need to know about impactions and gassy colicAn introduction to a horses digestive systemGood for bonding and general health: benefits of grooming a horseThe post Hampshire-based woman wins Ifor Williams trailer in raffle to raise money for EGS appeared first on Your Horse.

Tom Wachman and Do It Easy, who blitzed to victory in the Turkish Airlines London Grand Prix last night (Sportfot)OConnor third in World Cup, Allen wins 3-star GP in BelgiumTom Wachman brought the curtain down on spectacular season personally, and for Irish show jumping in general, by winning the Grand Prix on his first ever visit to the five-star London International Horse Show at the heaving Excel arena last night.Wachman came out on top in a high-class jump-off with the brilliant Do It Easy, having qualified via a smooth clear in the 1.60m track laid by fellow Tipperary man, Alan Wade first time around.The combination really showed themselves to magnificent effect when the stopwatch was of the essence, with only five duos in all managing to navigate the initial test.After some amazingly tight turns, Wachman, appropriately for the son of Classic-winning racehorse trainer, David Wachman, and grandson of Coolmore supremo John Magnier, almost rode a finish when asking for maximum effort from the 12-year-old gelding owned by Coolmore Showjumping down the last line and found a ready willing response, as well as a big jump over the last to stop the clock in 32.59.That took more than a second off the standard said by Kara Chad (CAN) with Igor GPH, who had set the pace with a time of 33.64. The previous nights FEI World Cup winner, Austrias Max Khner finished third, with Greece 5.Wachman was named FEI Rising Star of 2025 last month after an outstanding year and having been such a key contributor to the Green Jackets in his breakout campaign, the 20-year-old from Goolds Cross will assuredly have created a huge impression on Horse Sport Irelands new high performance jumping manager Jessica Krten, who was looking on.After listening to Amhrn na bhFiann proudly, as he stood atop the podium flanked by Chad and KhnerHes a brilliant horse and we just thought this class could suit him. Hes been in great form the last couple of weeks so Im delighted with the way he jumped. Obviously, theres a big team that goes into it, so its great for all of them, said after Amhrn na bhFiann rang outIt means a lot to win this. Its obviously an amazing show here, very prestigious, a historic show. I got a personal invitation from the show, so Im very grateful to them.This result came 24 hours after Wachmans mentor, Cian OConnor finished third behind Khner in the Longines FEI World Cup class.Once more, only a quintet of combos passed Wades first-round test of 14 fences, with some funky stride questions and a tight time allowed taking plenty of casualties.Among them were OConnor and his relatively new ride, Chatolinue PS (below). On what was just their second outing together at this level of competition, the pair posted a double clear to record a hugely promising result for a pairing in its nascency, especially as the 12-year-old lost a shoe first time around.Victory went to the Khner, with the Pam Walshe-bred EIC Cooley Jump The Q, who was lightning in the jump-off, securing the quickest double clear with a time of 33.94 seconds.Home hope, Donald Whittaker was runner-up with Millfield Colette, posting a time of 35.52, with OConnor and Chatolinue next best, stopping the clock on 37.24 as OConnor shrewdly chose not to over-extend his equine partner at this early stage of their partnership.Chatolinue is very special, said OConnor. Weve only done a few big shows together, so Im really happy to be here. He jumped so well tonight. Im very, very satisfied.I dont know him well enough yet. With a new horse, you dont want to ask too much and maybe surprise him. This was the type of round I was hoping for and we can build on that, especially when we have more space outdoors in the new year. Hopefully, it can keep progressing towards good results at five-star level.Weve got a big target ahead next year with the World Championships and we havent done many indoor shows, so Im really happy with him.Elsewhere, there was a fantastic Grand Prix win too for Harry Allen at Sentower Park on Saturday. It was a really convincing one too for the young Wexford athlete and his nine-year-old gelding Guerlain de Kreisker (below), who had 1.98 seconds to spare in the jump-off, clocking 32.26 to take the spoils in the three-star highlight in Belgium.Nine pairs took part in the deciding round, Michael Duffy and the Irish Sport Horse BP Royalty among them, but they unfortunately had a rail down in a very fast time of 32.52. Daren Hopkins also progressed to the speed examination on another Irish Sport Horse, the seven-year-old PMH Spencer, and they registered a double clear, with a time of 38.67 for fifth.Allen and his talented nine-year-old got every element right, however, combining the jumping accuracy with coruscating speed, to sail clear.BREEDINGEIC COOLEY JUMP THE Q (ISH) 2013 gelding by Pacino (BWP) out of Jump The Q (ISH) by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD). Breeder: Pam Walshe, Co Carlow. Owner: MK Sportpferde Max Khner & Remo Baleri. Rider: Max Khner (AUT).PMH SPENCER (ISH) 2017 bay stallion by Cornet Obolensky (HOLST) out of Epona M (KWPN) by Berlin (HOLST). Breeder: Susan Keaveney, Co Dublin. Owner: Ballywalter Stables. Rider: Daren Hopkins (IRL)BP ROYALTY (ISH) 2016 bay gelding by Comme Il Faut (WEST) out of Goodwins Loyalty (ISH) by Obos Quality 004 (OLDBG). Breeder & Owner: Gbbs International, Co Tipperary. Rider: Michael Duffy (IRL)The post Easy for Wachman in London GP appeared first on .

Sponsored content in association with SPILLERSAs lucky senior horse owners, we want our precious companions to continue to remain happy, healthy and look fabulous. One of the most noticeable changes in older horses is the loss of topline as they lose their strong silhouette and strength. But is there anything you can do to help your horse maintain their topline for longer?What is topline?Topline refers to the group of muscles running all the way from the poll, down the horses neck, over the withers, along the back, loins, and down to the hindquarters. These muscles play a crucial role in in movement, balance and alter the horses overall appearance. With some seniors, dramatic loss of topline can make getting up and lying down to rest more challenging.Exercise is essentialWhile nutrition is important, theres no substitute for correct exercise. Muscles need the right type of training and rest to develop and stay strong. Once retired from ridden work, its common to see horses lose muscle and sometimes quickly. The phrase if you dont use it, you lose it springs to mind. While it may be prudent to retire some horses completely from ridden work, gentle groundwork or pole work or even light lunging can help keep those muscles active. Tailor exercise to your horses abilities every little bit helps.The power of quality proteinWhen it comes to supporting muscles, quality protein is king. Proteins are made up from amino acids, some of which are essential. This means they must be supplied in the diet because the horses body cant produce them. One of the most important of these is lysine, which is also the one most likely to be deficient in the equine diet.Feeding for muscle maintenanceForage alone often doesnt provide enough lysine for senior requirements. Feeding a suitable compound feed or balancer is key to make up for the shortfall.Balancers are an excellent choice for horses who maintain weight easily on forage but need that extra lysine to support muscle and topline, without unwanted calories. Broad-spectrum vitamin and mineral supplements are usually low in protein, but pelleted balancers include amino acids, helping to give your horse the building blocks it needs to maintain muscle for longer.If your horse needs more calories than a senior balancer and forage provide, look for senior, performance or conditioning feeds. These usually contain higher levels of protein than a lower calorie, leisure feed. Choose a feed which provides the right balance of calories, fibre, sugar, starch AND protein for your horses individual needs.Will a muscle supplements work?You may be tempted to try a supplement, but practically, a well-chosen balancer or compound feed is likely to provide sufficient protein for the majority of horses. A well formulated supplement might still benefit some horses, but its worth speaking to a nutrition specialist for advice.Fat cannot be converted to muscleUnfortunately, fat doesnt magically turn into muscle. Muscle is built from protein and exercise, not converted from stored fat. Overfeeding wont contribute to muscle development and excess fat is detrimental to overall wellbeing. If your senior is overweight, choose a diet which restricts calories but still provides adequate protein.The bottom lineMaintaining a strong topline isnt easy with seniors, especially those out of work. Theres no quick fix or miracle supplement and building muscle in older horses who are still working requires patience even in young horses its a slow process. Reach out for advice on creating a tailored nutrition plan for your horse. With the right nutrition and gentle exercise, youre giving your horse the best chance to maintain their topline and help them stay looking 18 years young forever!For further advice on building topline please contact the SPILLERS Care-Line.Related contentThis is why a senior feed balancer will help your ageing horse thrive for longer *Sponsored*When would a senior horse benefit from a feed supplement? *Promotion*This is how to improve a horses poor toplineIs your horse fat or is it muscle? Equine vet explains the differenceThe post Slow the decline of topline in a senior horse with this advice *Sponsored* appeared first on Your Horse.