EHV Outbreak Could Have ‘Fairly Substantial’ Impact on Equine Industry Without Heightened Biosecurity

Dr. Sally DeNotta with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) provides horse owners with guidance on the recent outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (RFD-TV) — Concerns continue to mount as horse owners and trainers respond to the ongoing Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) outbreak. Industry professionals are urging increased vigilance, close monitoring of animals, and stricter biosecurity protocols as cases continue to unfold.

Dr. Sally DeNotta with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to share guidance on the situation. In her conversation with RFD-TV News, DeNotta outlined what is currently known about the outbreak and shared whether conditions have stabilized at all over the past week. She also addressed the potential impact the virus could have on the broader equine and Western sports industry.

Dr. DeNotta walked through the main symptoms horse owners should watch for during this outbreak and emphasized the importance of additional safety protocols. She further explained the first steps owners should take if they believe they—or their horses—may have come into contact with the virus. She also thanked viewers for their attention to this developing issue as the industry works to stay ahead of the outbreak.

Related Stories
National FFA Annual Fund Manager Kimberly Coveney encouraged everyone watching to join the effort today and help celebrate Give FFA Day while investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Tennessee FFA officers join us in the RFD-TV Studios to showcase student leadership and inspire support for agricultural education on Give FFA Day 2026.
National FFA President Trey Myers shares the significance of Give FFA Day, its role in supporting student growth, and how communities can join the celebration to make a difference for future agricultural leaders.
National FFA Organization CEO Scott Stump shares the importance of Give FFA Day, how contributions support students, and why today is an opportunity for everyone to help invest in the future of agriculture.
USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance payments could begin this weekend as producers face tight margins, shifting acreage expectations, cattle herd contraction, and growing pressure for a stronger farm safety net.
A stalled World Trade Organization appeals body increases long-term trade policy risk for U.S. agriculture.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Jennifer Tirey of the Illinois Pork Producers Association joined us to discuss efforts to bring pork back into Chicago Public Schools, the nutritional benefits for students, and what the decision could mean for pork producers across the state.
Farmer and retired colonial Joe Ricker joined us to highlight Ag Safety Awareness Program Week, share his work supporting veterans and farmers, and offer guidance on making safety a year-round priority on the farm.
Dry conditions may tighten hay supplies before summer growth. John Mays of Central Life Sciences joined us to discuss the risks of extended grain storage, how quality can be affected over time, and what growers can do to protect their grain while waiting for market opportunities.
High fertilizer costs and global risks threaten spring margins for growers.
Be sure to catch Kim Collingsworth on Gaither Gospel Hour’s new special, “His Gift, My Story,” tonight, Friday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m. ET, on RFD Network and streaming on RFD+
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Opry Live is the premier weekly broadcast and livestream of the Grand Ole Opry, featuring country music superstars, legends, and rising talent performing on stage in Nashville.
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Celebrating 16 Consecutive Seasons on RFD Network! “The Penny Gilley Show,” starring “The Sweetheart of Country Music” herself, Penny Gilley.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.