Contagious Disease Prevention in Horses by a Vet – 2025 Stable & Event Safety 🐎🛡️

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Introduction

In 2025, contagious diseases like Equine Herpesvirus (EHV), strangles, and influenza remain top concerns for horse owners, trainers, and facilities. With increased travel and social interaction between horses, smart biosecurity is vital. In this vet-approved guide, learn the essential practices for preventing the spread of infection at home and away—from daily hygiene to travel management and quarantine protocols.

1. Direct and Indirect Disease Transmission 🔄

Understanding how diseases spread helps stop them:

• Direct contact: Nose-to-nose or shared air space—EHV and strangles can spread this way.
• Indirect (fomite) spread: Humans, tack, trailers, water buckets, and feed bins can carry pathogens from one horse to another.
• Aerosol transmission: Some respiratory viruses can travel short distances through coughs or sneezes.

2. Essential Daily Hygiene Practices 🧼

• Wash hands or use alcohol-based sanitizers before and after handling horses.
• Disinfect grooming tools, thermometers, lead ropes, and tack between horses—especially shared equipment.
• Assign individual buckets and avoid communal water sources.
• Clean stall surfaces, walls, feed tubs, and gates regularly—especially high-contact areas.

3. Monitoring for Illness 📊

Early detection stops outbreaks:

• Take temperatures of all horses returning from events twice daily for 14 days.
• Anything over 101.5°F (38.6°C) should be considered suspicious—especially with nasal discharge, cough, or lethargy.
• Record vitals consistently to identify subtle changes over time.

4. Travel & Event Biosecurity 🚛🎯

Before the Event:

• Only transport healthy, vaccinated horses—check requirements of the event host.
• Use your own trailer and avoid co-hauling with horses from unknown sources.
• Thoroughly disinfect your trailer, including mats and underlay, before and after use.

At the Event:

• Park away from other trailers—maintain distance in barns or tie areas.
• Keep horses at your trailer when not competing—avoid socializing or “horse meetups.”
• Use only your own feed, water buckets, and grooming tools.
• Do not allow horses to share water troughs or touch noses with others.

After Returning Home:

• Isolate show horses from your main herd for 2–3 weeks.
• Monitor for signs of illness and take temperatures twice daily.
• Only reintegrate after isolation ends with no symptoms.

5. Stable Biosecurity Policy 📋

All boarding barns, lesson programs, and private facilities should have clear protocols for disease prevention:

• Require health certificates or proof of recent vaccinations for new or returning horses.
• Designate quarantine stalls or paddocks with limited access.
• Train staff to report any signs of illness and enforce daily temperature logs.
• Post hygiene signage and provide accessible disinfectants.

6. Isolation Guidelines for Returning Horses 🧪

• Minimum 14-day isolation, preferably 21 days in a separate barn or area.
• No shared water/feed areas, and handlers should change clothes or wash hands between zones.
• Designate separate tools, tack, and equipment during quarantine.

7. Disinfection Protocols 🧴

• Tack: Clean with soap and water; use disinfectant sprays for bits, bridles, and grooming gear.
• Trailers: Remove manure, wash floors, lift mats, disinfect with diluted bleach or veterinary-grade cleaner.
• Stalls: Clean all surfaces and replace bedding. Focus on door latches, bars, feed troughs, and floor drains.

8. Common Contagious Equine Diseases to Prevent 🦠

• Equine herpesvirus (EHV-1/4): Causes respiratory, neurological, and abortion outbreaks.
• Strangles: Highly contagious bacterial infection of lymph nodes (Strep. equi).
• Equine influenza: Rapidly spreading viral cough—especially in young horses.
• Equine coronavirus: Fecal-oral transmission—can cause colic-like symptoms and fevers.

9. Case Example 🧾

1. A regional show in spring sees an EHV outbreak—three barns report fevered horses after returning.
2. One barn did not isolate returned horses—resulting in 80% of horses being exposed.
3. Another barn used strict isolation and daily monitoring—only one horse developed mild symptoms.
4. Prompt vet involvement, separation, and temperature tracking prevented broader spread.

10. FAQs About Contagion Control

Can vaccinated horses still get sick?

A: Yes—vaccines reduce severity, but no vaccine guarantees complete protection.

Is a 14-day isolation enough?

A: Most incubation periods fall within 14–21 days; longer isolation may be needed after confirmed exposure.

How often should trailers be disinfected?

A: After every haul involving unfamiliar or multi-horse use.

Conclusion

Preventing contagious disease isn’t about locking your horse in the barn—it’s about smart, proactive steps that reduce risk. In 2025, riders, trainers, and barn owners must prioritize clean equipment, structured quarantine, proper monitoring, and responsible travel behavior. A little effort prevents major outbreaks and protects your horse and community.

Want help creating a biosecurity plan or handling a suspected case? Reach out to Ask A Vet at AskAVet.com or through the app 📱 for real-time guidance from Dr Duncan Houston and our expert team. 🩺🐴