Biosecurity for Show Horses by a Vet – 2025 Event‑Ready Protection 🐎🛡️

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Introduction

Hauling your horse to shows exposes them to contagious diseases—like equine herpes (EHV), influenza, strangles, or even emerging threats like Hendra virus. In 2025, strong biosecurity isn't just smart—it's essential. Here’s a vet-backed, step-by-step plan to keep your horse protected during travel, at events, and on return home.

1. Vaccination Strategy ✅

• Ensure your horse is up to date on core vaccines: equine influenza, EHV-1/EHV-4, strangles, and tetanus. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Boosters every 6–12 months: more frequent if showing (every 6 months per FEI guidelines). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Understand vaccines reduce symptoms—they don’t guarantee immunity (especially for neurological EHV strains). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

2. Pre‑Show Preparation 🩺

• Restrict contact with other horses 3–7 days before events.
• Clean and disinfect trailer, gear, buckets, and tack thoroughly. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Carry essential biosecurity kit: disinfectant, gloves, spare buckets, thermometer, and single-horse equipment for isolation.
• Maintain quiet handling to reduce horse stress, which suppresses immunity. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

3. At the Venue – Keeping Safe 🧼

• Avoid direct contact with other horses—no nose-to-nose greeting. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Use labeled or disposable feed/water buckets—never share. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Bring bottled water to avoid shared troughs.
• Restrict public access—limit petting by spectators. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Ensure stables are disinfected before your arrival and at departure. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

4. Post‑Show Quarantine & Monitoring 🕒

• Isolate returning horses for ≥3 weeks before rejoining the herd. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Monitor temperature twice daily—alert vet if over 38.5 °C (101.5 °F). :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Watch for early signs: cough, nasal discharge, lethargy, appetite loss. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Have separate equipment and buckets during quarantine. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

5. Ongoing Farm Biosecurity 🌐

• Quarantine all new or returning horses for ≥21 days with daily temperature checks. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Clean and disinfect stalls, fences, water buckets, feed bins, and grooming tools regularly. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Use dedicated equipment for each horse when possible.
• Maintain hygiene stations—handwashing, footbaths, and protective clothing before entering healthy areas.

6. Handling Suspected Illness 🚨

• Isolate any horse with fever, cough, nasal discharge, or swollen lymph nodes. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• Call your vet if signs appear—rapid diagnosis is key to containment.
• Disinfect all areas exposed to the sick horse. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

7. Special Concern: Hendra Virus 🦇

In Australia, Hendra virus can be fatal. Vaccination is available—maintain it diligently. Avoid contact with bats/flying foxes and use strict hygiene on potential exposure sites. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

8. Tips for Trainers & Facilities

• Post visible biosecurity instructions at stables and trailers.
• Train handlers and staff in proper protocols—especially isolation, disinfection, and access control. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
• Have clear plans for isolating sick horses and liaising with vets and authorities if outbreaks occur. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

Summary Table

Conclusion

In 2025, responsible horse management means protecting your show horses—and your farm—with robust biosecurity. By vaccinating, isolating, disinfecting, and monitoring, you safeguard against major threats like EHV, influenza, strangles, and even emerging Hendra virus. Prioritize your horse’s health, reduce stress, and minimize disease risk for a successful season.

Heading to a show, or need help planning biosecurity? Contact Ask A Vet via AskAVet.com or our app 📱 for personalized, vet-led biosecurity support from Dr Duncan Houston.