Viral Outbreak Puts Utah Horse Communities on Alert

An outbreak of the EHV-1 virus that affected horses in Texas has Utah horse owners taking precautions. The EDCC tracks the virus and works to coordinate information when an outbreak occurs.

Understanding EHV-1: A Growing Concern for Horse Owners

A multi-state outbreak that happened in 2011 in Ogden, Utah was when horse owners and organizations began to realize how horse events could have a big impact spreading the virus. Since then, events where there might be danger have been limited or cancelled.

The outbreak in Texas in November of 2025 had the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food recommending events be postponed including a roping and barrel event in Hurricane. The type of events can easily spread the virus.

As the weather warms up and Utah begins holding events where horses and their owners gather, keeping a close eye on possible exposure to this virus will be important.

Reporting Cases: Keeping Utah’s Horses Safe

Part of the effort to track the virus is the online reporting option on the Utah Agriculture site where Utah horse owners can note a confirmed case of the virus. This information can help to keep the EHV-1 from spreading through Utah and other states.

The virus is also known as herpesvirus and causes raspatory problems and in rare cases can prove fatal. It also can cause a pregnant mare to abort. It usually starts with a fever that can be hard to detect.

The AVMA offers a lot of good information on the virus and how to diagnose it and treat it. With better ways of tracking infected horses, they hope to get a handle on the EHV-1.