11/19/2025
⚠️ IMPORTANT EHV-1 NOTICE FOR OUR CLIENTS & ALL HORSE OWNERS ⚠️
We want to make all horse owners aware that there is an active Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) outbreak in Texas, linked to a recent event in Waco. This strain appears highly aggressive and has already been fatal in some cases. We are taking every precaution to protect your horses and our local equine community.
⛑️ HOW GURSKY VETERINARY SERVICES IS RESPONDING
1. TWICE-DAILY TEMPERATURE MONITORING AT HOME
Please check your horse’s temperature morning and evening, especially if:
• They were at Waco, or
• They have attended any show/event in the last 14 days
A temperature of 101.5°F or higher is a red flag. Call us immediately if you notice fever, nasal discharge, coughing, stumbling, weakness, or other neurologic signs.
2. “STAY ON THE TRAILER” POLICY FOR SUSPECT CASES
If your horse has a fever or possible exposure:
• Do NOT unload when you arrive
• Park in our isolation lot
• Call the front desk from your vehicle
Our medical team will come to your trailer to:
• Check temperature
• Perform an exam
• Collect nasal swabs
• Run stall-side EHV testing as needed
This helps prevent the spread of the virus on our property.
3. WACO EXPOSURE SCREENING
When scheduling, our staff will now ask:
• Was your horse at Waco?
• Has your horse attended any large show in the last 14 days?
• What is your horse’s current temperature?
These questions protect your horse and everyone else’s, so we appreciate your patience.
4. TESTING & ANTIVIRAL SUPPORT
We are actively ensuring we have adequate stall-side EHV testing kits and sufficient antiviral medications for high-risk or confirmed cases. We will discuss testing, treatment, and monitoring options on a case-by-case basis.
IF YOU SUSPECT EXPOSURE:
• Take temperatures twice daily
• Call before hauling in
• Do NOT unload — our team will come to you
Thank you for helping us protect our horses, our clients, and our equine community.
HOW HORSES CONTRACT EHV-1
1. Nose-to-nose contact
Horses inhale or touch infected nasal droplets from another horse.
2. Aerosolized particles
Coughing or sneezing spreads tiny viral droplets through the air.
3. Shared equipment (fomite transmission)
The virus can live on water buckets, feed tubs, halters, lead ropes, grooming tools, tack, and thermometers.
4. People spreading it
Hands, jackets, boots, and equipment can transfer virus between horses.
5. Pregnant mares
Certain forms of EHV-1 can pass from mare to foal, causing abortion or weak newborns.
THE TRICKY PART
Horses can carry latent (dormant) EHV-1. Stress like hauling, showing, illness, or weather changes can reactivate it. A horse may shed the virus without looking sick.