Official Site of The State of New Jersey

(TRENTON) – The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) has quarantined a property in Burlington County after one horse developed the highly infectious equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM).  The horse, an 18-year-old gelding, developed acute clinical signs on January 7, 2026, and was subsequently humanely euthanized. EHM is the often-deadly neurologic form of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) infection. The two remaining horses on the premises are under quarantine and being monitored for sickness. No recent horse movements have occurred from this herd, making the risk of disease spread from this case very low.  

“The Department took swift action to prevent the disease from spreading to other horses by enacting a quarantine, which stops movement of horses in and out of the properties and puts in place preventive measures to contain the virus,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn. “Horse owners are encouraged to work with their veterinarian and the State when animals show symptoms such as those of EHV-1.”

The EHV-1 virus spreads quickly from horse to horse. It can cause respiratory problems, especially in young horses, spontaneous abortions in pregnant mares, and the neurologic form of the virus can result in death.  The incubation period of EHV-1 is typically 2-10 days. Clinical signs include respiratory disease, fever, nasal discharge, depression, cough, lack of appetite, and/or enlarged lymph nodes. In horses infected with the neurologic strain of EHV-1, clinical signs typically include mild incoordination, hind-end weakness/paralysis, loss of bladder and tail function, and loss of hind-end skin sensation. The virus spreads readily through direct contact with infected materials. The virus is endemic in the United States, and although highly infectious, it does not persist in the environment for an extended period. It is neutralized by hand soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and sunlight. The virus does not affect humans and other domestic animals, except for llamas and alpacas.

The NJDA Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is available to assist veterinarians with EHV-1 testing. For contact information, please visit the lab website: www.jerseyvetlab.nj.gov. Concerned owners should consult their veterinarian before taking any action, as the clinical signs of infection with the neurological form of EHV-1 (EHM) are common to many other diseases. EHM is a reportable disease in New Jersey.  If an owner has a horse exhibiting neurologic signs or suspects equine herpes, they are directed to call their veterinarian immediately.

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