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
Read the full press release published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Lily Pryer’s passion shows how National FFA members are making an impact in classrooms and communities all across Rural America.
Farmer Bridge Assistance payments provide immediate balance-sheet support heading into 2026, but remain a short-term bridge rather than a substitute for long-term market recovery.
The New Year is here, but in Oregon, some ranchers and livestock producers are still trying to recover from record wildfires back in 2024.
As markets anticipate a return to normal trading following the New Year’s holiday, the possibility of the southern border re-opening to cattle is capturing much attention.
Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-IA, details how the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) supports farmers, biofuels, and rural communities with tax breaks, crop insurance relief, and ag infrastructure.
Jake Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance shares risk-reduction strategies to help cattle producers prepare for a successful year ahead.
Oregon FFA CEO Kjer Kizer discusses the proposed budget reductions, potential consequences, and the importance of protecting learning opportunities for students interested in agriculture.
Producers across the country balanced winter weather disruptions, shifting export demand, and tightening margins as year-end decisions come into focus.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, adding a decade of experience in the digital side of broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said permanent access to the higher ethanol blend would provide farmers with much-needed certainty while supporting domestic crop demand.
Food prices increased in December, but not as much as expected, according to the latest Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us to provide analysis on the January WASDE report and expectations for grain markets going forward.
Market reaction was bearish for corn and soybeans, with analysts noting that abundant supplies amid tepid demand could keep price pressure on agricultural commodities.
The Farm Bureau’s honor highlights the important role farm dogs play on operations across the country, serving as dependable workers and trusted companions.
Logistics capacity remains available, but winter volatility favors flexible delivery and marketing plans. NGFA President Mike Seyfert provides insight into grain transportation trends, trade policy, and priorities for the year ahead.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
The internationally-known “King of Polka,” 18-time Grammy award winner for “Best Polka Album,” and bandleader of arguably the most popular polka band in America—Jimmy Sturr—is taking to the stage for another slate of shows made for his fans and polka lovers across the country.
Filmed in front of a live audience at the historic Lyric Theatre in Lexington, Kentucky, “WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour” features an eclectic array of popular artists from genres of folk, blues, country, jazz, new-age, and rock.
When it comes to truck and tractor pulling, the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) is a world leader as well as the sport’s oldest and most respected entity when it comes to premier competition. They host more than 280 sessions of pulling action throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Each week, “Rural Heritage” on RFD-TV treats its viewers to stories of farmers borrowing from yesterday to do the work of today. Using hand tools, natural farming methods and draft animal power, these men and women successfully compete with their neighbors who instead employ large, expensive modern machinery and rely on chemical fertilizers and insecticides to grow their crops.
Hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Tanji Patton, “Goodtaste with Tanji” focuses on chefs and popular dishes from restaurants across the culinary spectrum, along with wines, cocktails, and spirits, too. As a travelogue, the show visits restaurants, diners, and eateries across the Lone Star State in fun and adventurous settings, plus the program occasionally travels to neighboring states like Louisiana and New Mexico. In addition, the show educates viewers on wine pairings and value buys available in current wine trends.