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.