11/19/2025
Due to the recent EHV 1 outbreak we are temporarily closing our layover facilities. Please take precautions to keep your horses safe . If you are already scheduled please reach out to discuss your visit and the precautions we will have in place going forward. The Lazy E Arena has also temporarily closed. Thank you all and please proceed with caution to keep your horses safe.
🚨 URGENT NOTICE FOR HORSE OWNERS 🚨
At Waller Equine Hospital, we want to alert you to the confirmed outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) in Texas. With multiple cases linked to recent horse events, we are asking all clients to stay informed and take proactive precautions to protect their horses and barns.
Links for info:https://aaep.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/EHV_FAQ_for_Owners_Final.pdf
https://www.tahc.texas.gov/animal_health/equine/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOK5FtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFCV2xKMzdwUWs1VEZuOGo4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhZ95DKPN20AO7zHcOAVkHZ242IdteERm25k8ZyJWT29zKomdaTY4ux2iVu5_aem_KCJFiDRvE_0Svk-O7V43bw
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📌 What is EHV-1 and why is it a concern?
EHV-1 is a highly contagious virus that can cause:
• Respiratory illness
• Abortion in pregnant mares
• Neurologic disease (Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy, EHM)
Neurologic cases may show hind-end weakness, incoordination, urine dribbling, and in severe cases, the inability to stand.
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✅ Steps Every Horse Owner Should Take Immediately
1. Monitor temperatures twice daily.
Fever (101.5°F / 38.6°C or higher) is often the earliest sign.
2. Isolate any horse showing fever, nasal discharge, cough, or neurologic symptoms.
Call Waller Equine Hospital right away if you notice any concerning signs.
3. Separate recently traveled or competed horses for at least 14 days—longer (21–28 days) if they were exposed.
4. Strengthen barn biosecurity:
• No nose-to-nose contact
• Disinfect equipment: buckets, trailers, tack, grooming tools
• Wash hands between horses and use dedicated clothing/boots around newly arrived or sick horses
5. Limit unnecessary movement of horses during this outbreak.
6. Vaccinate as recommended by your veterinarian.
While vaccines don’t prevent the neurologic form, they do help reduce viral shedding and respiratory disease.
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🔍 Watch for These Signs
• Fever
• Nasal discharge or cough
• Depression, loss of appetite
• Hind-end weakness or incoordination
• Drooping tail, urine dribbling
• Pregnant mares aborting
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📅 Important for Upcoming Appointments at Waller Equine Hospital
If your horse has:
• Attended events,
• Traveled recently, or
• Been exposed to a horse with fever, respiratory signs, or confirmed EHV-1,
👉 PLEASE contact us before your appointment.
This allows us to implement proper biosecurity measures and helps protect all horses on our property.
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Your vigilance makes a difference. We are here to help guide you through monitoring, isolation, testing, and treatment if needed.
Stay alert. Stay safe.
— The Team at Waller Equine Hospital 🐴💙