Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) has surfaced again in the horse world, and naturally, many owners are feeling anxious. While outbreaks are never something to take lightly, they are also moments that remind us of a simple truth: a strong immune system is your horse’s greatest line of defense.

This guide covers the basics—how EHV spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and what you can do right now to support your horse’s health and build resilience from the inside out.

What Is EHV?

Equine Herpesvirus (most commonly EHV-1 and EHV-4) is a contagious virus that affects horses’ respiratory systems, nervous systems, and reproductive health. It spreads quickly, which is why outbreaks require heightened awareness and good barn management practices.

How Horses Contract EHV

EHV spreads through:

• Direct horse-to-horse contact

• Aerosolized respiratory droplets

• Contaminated equipment, clothing, or handlers

• Shared water buckets, stalls, gates, tack, or trailers

Because the virus is hardy and can survive on surfaces for extended periods, sanitation is essential.

Common Symptoms of EHV

Symptoms can vary in severity but often include:

• Fever

• Nasal discharge

• Coughing

• Lethargy

• Decreased appetite

• Hind-end weakness or incoordination (neurological form)

• In some cases: reproductive losses

If you notice any signs—or if your horse has been exposed—contact your veterinarian immediately.

Is There a Cure?

There is no cure for EHV. Treatment focuses on supportive care: rest, hydration, isolation, anti-inflammatories, temperature monitoring, and veterinary oversight.

But here’s the silver lining: a strong immune system can drastically influence how a horse handles stressors, pathogens, and exposure. That’s why prevention and proactive care are more important than ever during an outbreak.

How to Reduce Risk During an EHV Outbreak

You can’t control every exposure, but you can give your horse the best chance at fighting viral challenges.

Here’s what veterinarians and equine experts recommend:

1. Tighten Biosecurity

• Avoid unnecessary travel or mixing with new horses

• Do not share water buckets, grooming tools, or tack

• Sanitize doorknobs, stall handles, cross ties, and equipment

• Wash hands between handling horses

2. Monitor Temperature Daily

A fever is often the first indicator that something is wrong. Keeping tabs can help you catch issues early.

3. Reduce Stress

Stress is one of the biggest suppressors of immune function. Try to maintain a consistent feeding and turnout routine.

4. Support the Immune System Proactively

Even healthy horses need immune support—especially during heightened viral seasons or outbreak periods.

That’s where natural preventative support can play an important role.

A Natural, Preventative Approach to Immune Defense

Our Immune Defense Bundle for Horses is designed for moments exactly like this—when supporting the immune system isn’t optional, it’s essential.

This bundle combines INFX, Immune Support, and Probiotic, creating a comprehensive triple-layer approach to immune strength and resilience.

What This Bundle Helps Promote:

• Strong immune function |
  
   Supports the body’s natural response to viral, bacterial, and fungal stressors.

• A healthy gut–immune connection |
  
   Probiotics restore digestive balance—a critical yet often overlooked factor in immune resilience.

• Natural microbial defense |
  
   INFX provides herbal support against unwanted organisms.

• Faster recovery and resilience |
  
   Helps horses bounce back after exposure, stress, competition, skin issues, or weather challenges.

And because it’s natural, safe, and trusted by horse owners nationwide, it’s something you can feel good about adding to your horse’s daily routine during high-risk times.

Staying Vigilant, Staying Informed, Staying Proactive

While no supplement can treat EHV once symptoms appear, proactive immune support is one of the most valuable tools you have today.

If you’re concerned about EHV, want advice on your horse’s specific situation, or need help choosing the right protocol for your barn, our team is always here to help.

➝ You can find the Immune Defense Bundle here 

Together, we can keep our horses healthy, strong, and protected.