Vet Insights 2025: Can Horses Get COVID-19? What Every Equine Owner Should Know 🐎🦠

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve learned that many species—dogs, cats, mink, deer—are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. But what about our equine companions? Can horses catch COVID-19? And could they spread it to other animals—or even back to us?

In 2025, we now know that horses can indeed become infected with COVID-19, though the vast majority remain asymptomatic. As a veterinarian, I believe it’s essential for horse owners to understand the facts, the risks, and the science behind this complex topic 🧠🐴.

🔬 Can Horses Really Get COVID-19?

Yes, but it's uncommon—and horses usually do not show signs of illness. Recent studies presented by veterinary researchers at UC Davis confirm that some healthy horses have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 via PCR nasal swab testing 🧪.

Key findings include:

• 🐎 In a group of 587 healthy thoroughbreds at Del Mar Racetrack (California), 6% tested positive for COVID-19
• 🏥 At the UC Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 3.5% of 1100 tested horses were COVID-positive
• ❌ None of the horses showing respiratory illness tested positive for COVID-19

Infections appear to result from close human-to-horse contact—even when the human is asymptomatic or mildly ill 🤧.

🦠 How Does COVID-19 Affect Horses?

So far, most infected horses do not develop symptoms. However, like other companion species, they may act as silent carriers or intermediate hosts—potentially playing a role in future viral evolution or transmission dynamics 🔁.

How the Virus Works:

COVID-19 gains entry into host cells through a structure called the spike protein. Horses possess a version of the spike receptor that is similar to humans’, meaning they can be susceptible to infection under certain conditions 🧬.

While the risk of illness in horses is low right now, scientists warn that the virus may evolve to cause disease in horses or use them as a bridge for cross-species transmission in the future 🧠🔍.

📊 Key Research Findings

From 2019 to 2020, researchers analyzed 667 horses with acute fever or respiratory symptoms. Each sample was tested for a range of pathogens including:

• 🦠 Equine herpesvirus
• 🦠 Influenza virus
• 🦠 Streptococcus equi (Strangles)
• 🧪 COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)

Findings: None of the sick horses were positive for COVID-19. However, when healthy horses were tested, some were positive—demonstrating that they can carry the virus without any signs of illness 👀.

🧪 How Is COVID-19 Detected in Horses?

The gold standard test is a PCR test on nasal secretions—just like the COVID test for people. It detects viral RNA and confirms the presence of the virus, whether or not the animal is showing signs of illness 🧫.

This test is useful in outbreak scenarios, boarding barns, or facilities with recent human COVID-19 exposure ⚕️.

🔁 Can Horses Transmit COVID-19 Back to People?

We don’t know for sure. There’s no confirmed case of horse-to-human transmission, but the concern remains that animals could act as a temporary host, allowing the virus to mutate or “bounce back” to humans in a new form 🧬😨.

This risk is what makes ongoing surveillance important—especially in large horse populations, racetracks, and clinics where both animals and humans frequently interact 🧑‍⚕️🐴.

📉 Risk Level for Horse Owners

Right now, the risk of your horse getting sick from COVID-19 is extremely low. Still, it’s smart to follow basic biosecurity practices if there’s a known exposure:

✅ Best Practices for Horse Owners:

• 😷 Avoid close contact with horses if you are COVID-positive
• 🧤 Use gloves and a mask when feeding or cleaning for horses if ill
• 🪟 Ensure barns are well-ventilated
• 🧼 Disinfect common areas and tack regularly
• 📞 Call your vet if your horse shows new respiratory signs

📲 Ask A Vet: Equine COVID Questions Answered

Not sure if your horse has been exposed to COVID-19? Want to know if testing is appropriate? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app to speak with a licensed veterinarian 24/7. We’re here to guide you through the latest updates, diagnostics, and care protocols 🐴📱.

✅ Final Thoughts: Stay Aware, Not Alarmed

In 2025, we continue to learn more about how COVID-19 interacts with animal species. For now, there’s no need for panic—but awareness matters. Horses may be silent carriers, and understanding their role is part of our shared responsibility in One Health 🌍❤️🐎.

Let’s stay informed, protect our herds, and keep conversations open with our veterinary teams 🤝🩺.