Hoof and Hearts LLC

11/21/2025

BREAKING NEWS - 11/20 5.30pm UPDATE Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) Outbreak

The Equine Disease Communication Center is monitoring an outbreak of EHM that originated at the The Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals and Elite Barrel Racing event Nov 5-9.

To date, officially confirmed cases have been reported in the following states-

State EHM Cases Confirmed-PCR Positive Suspected

Texas 4 4

Oklahoma 2 2

Louisiana 3 3

Colorado 1 1

We will update as news becomes available.

I've talked with EECC - they are posting only positive cases. They are waiting on the states and veterinarians. They have been updating as of 5pm.

I sent an email to Texas Animal Health Commission to see if there is a faster way to get updates. Reply from TAHC was helpful. Here's why some of the numbers are off.

"There have been several horse deaths suspected to be associated with the virus but have not received laboratory confirmation or were not tested by the owner. The TAHC does not report numbers of suspected cases, only laboratory confirmations to the EDCC.

"As of this afternoon, our case count with laboratory confirmation has increased to four cases. While the extent of this EHV-1 outbreak is not yet fully known, TAHC is taking this situation seriously. Presentation of EHV-1 in horses has been acute with rapid progression and high clinical severity. A concerning number of mortalities in horses suspected to have EHM have been reported but not yet confirmed with laboratory testing. Investigation into the character and epidemiology of this disease event is ongoing but the need for rapid and proactive actions to curb the spread is clear."

11/21/2025

🐴🩷🐴🩷

When life feels heavy and nothing makes sense, I always end up right here — beside a horse. 🐴
No words needed. No judgment. Just peace, presence, and that quiet reminder that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

There’s something healing about the way they breathe, the way they see us, and the way they make everything else fade away for a moment. 🤍

If you know that feeling — you know.

11/20/2025

11/20/2025

🦠🦠🦠🦠🦠🦠🦠🦠

🚨 EHV-1 Alert: What Every Horse Owner Should Know
There have been recent discussions about EHV-1 outbreaks, so I wanted to share some quick, helpful information to keep our horses safe.
What is EHV-1?
Equine Herpesvirus-1 is a contagious virus that can affect a horse’s respiratory system, reproductive system, and in some cases, the nervous system. It spreads through nose-to-nose contact, shared equipment, and even clothing or hands.
Common Signs to Watch For:
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Nasal discharge
• Weakness or incoordination
• Loss of appetite
How to Protect Your Barn:
• Take temperatures daily when traveling or boarding
• Do NOT share buckets, tack, or grooming tools
• Quarantine any horse showing symptoms
• Keep vaccinations and biosecurity practices up to date
Our horses depend on us to keep them healthy and protected. 💙🐴
If you ever have concerns or questions about equine health or first aid, Hoof & Hearts LLC is here to help.
Stay safe and give your horses a hug for me today. 🤎🐾

— Lisa, Hoof & Hearts LLC 🐴🩷🐴🩷
Equine First Aid Instructor • BEMER Therapy

11/20/2025

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11/20/2025

That’s the magic of this life…
You don’t have to be fearless.
You just have to be willing.
Because when you show up with heart, your horse feels it… and that’s enough for them. 🤍🐴

If this touched you, you’re my people.
I share daily horse-and-soul motivation—made to lift riders, soften hearts, and remind you why you love this life so much.

👇 Follow Horse and Soul Motivation for more moments like this.
Let’s grow this beautiful community together. 🐴✨

11/20/2025

What is Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)?

You've probably heard it called Rhinopneumonitis, a respiratory tract disease that results in "snotty noses," but EHV is more than that. Depending on the strain, this virus can also cause abortion in broodmares, and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — the often-deadly neurologic form of the disease.

Because EHV is endemic in many equine populations, most mature horses have developed some immunity through repeated natural infection. However, they remain a source of infection for other susceptible horses, like weaned foals and yearlings, who usually display symptoms of the respiratory form of the disease in autumn and winter. Performance and show horses are also more vulnerable to the disease, as they commingle with unfamiliar equines in close quarters while under stress from travel and competition.

Proper biosecurity protocols can help reduce EHV outbreaks and other disease transmission. A variety of vaccines are also available for protection against both the respiratory and abortive form of the disease, but there is no equine licensed vaccine at this time that has a label claim for protection against the neurologic form (EHM).

Consult your primary equine veterinarian to learn more about this disease and work with them to determine the optimal vaccine protocol for your horses.

You can learn more about all three forms on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website here: https://equinediseasecc.org/infectious-diseases

11/20/2025

11/20/2025

⚠️🐴 EHV OUTBREAK: What Every Horse Owner Needs to Know

If you haven't heard, a WPRA event in Waco, Texas has been identified as the source of a growing EHV-1 outbreak — including several neurological cases (EHM). Horses from across the region attended, and since then, multiple barns have reported positives.

This article breaks down:
• how the virus spread
• what symptoms to watch for
• why some horses show no signs at all
• the risks of neurological involvement
• what veterinarians and the Texas Animal Health Commission are doing now
• what YOU can do to protect your barn

Even if your horse wasn’t at this event, this outbreak is a wake-up call. High-traffic shows, shared arenas, and travel stress make EHV a threat that can spread quickly and silently.

💬 Tell us in the comments:
Have you tightened biosecurity at your barn before? What precautions do you think events should require?

🔗 Read the full article. Link in comments. 👇