04/28/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 28, 2025
STROHFUS STOCK FARM INITIATES EQUINE QUARANTINE FOLLOWING EHV-1/EHM CASE
Hastings, Minnesota — Strohfus Stock Farm, located at 14650 90th St. S., Hastings, MN, placed its facilities under voluntary quarantine as of Thursday, April 24, 2025, following a suspected case of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) and Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM). This test was later confirmed positive on Friday, April 25, 2025.
The quarantine is being implemented as a proactive measure to protect the health and safety of all equine residents and the greater horse community. The affected horse is currently receiving veterinary care and is being closely monitored in isolation. No other horses are showing symptoms at this time.
Out of an abundance of caution, Strohfus Stock Farm suspended all horse movement on/off property, as of Thursday, April 24, 2025. Additionally, they instituted enhanced biosecurity protocols and are working closely with veterinary authorities to conduct ongoing testing and monitoring.
John Strohfus said, "Our horse, 'Bunny,' began exhibiting neurological symptoms on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The horse returned home Sunday, April 13, 2025 after participation at the Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, Wisconsin. While it is impossible to determine with certainty the source of the exposure, this event represents the only off-farm exposure this horse has had since October of 2023 (over 18 months ago).”
Strohfus Stock Farm boards approximately 60 horses but maintains very limited in/out activity. The last known travel of any horse off-premise was April 20, 2025, but the traveling horse was from a different barn / paddock system from the positive horse's location and was not at risk.
John Strohfus also stated, "Our farm has a unique barn and paddock system which allows us to isolate horses fairly easily. Because of that, plus the enhanced biosecurity controls implemented early on, we hope to have excellent on-farm containment."
"We are taking this situation very seriously," said Strohfus. "The health and welfare of our horses, those of our customers, and the broader equestrian community at large is our top priority. We are committed to full transparency and strict compliance with veterinary guidelines to contain and eliminate the threat."
EHV-1/EHM is a highly contagious virus affecting horses, with symptoms that can include fever, respiratory issues, and neurological problems. While serious, early detection and strong biosecurity measures greatly enhance outcomes and limit spread. An excellent source of information about EHV-1 is available at UC Davis: https://ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/equine-herpes-virus-1-myeloencephalopathy
The farm will provide updates as new information becomes available. Under quarantine, horse owners, outside service providers and visitors are currently restricted from access to the farm unless explicitly approved by John or Jeanie.
For more information, please contact:
John or Jeanie Strohfus
Phone: 612-384-5023
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.strohfusstockfarm.com
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