Monthly Discussion Post
Your response (at least 250 words) is due in the portal by November 30th at 11:59 PM. In addition to your own reply, comment on at least one peer’s post.
Lesson for this month:
There’s currently an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus‑1 (EHV-1) with some cases developing into the neurologic form Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) across Texas and nearby states.
Here are some key points:
EHV-1 can affect the respiratory, reproductive or nervous systems of horses; EHM is the serious neurologic version.
The virus spreads through direct contact (nose-to-nose), airborne particles, contaminated tack, shared water/feed sources and even clothing/boots.
Early signs can be subtle (mild fever, nasal discharge) but the quicker you recognize them, the better your chance to isolate, call your vet, and limit spread.
This directly relates to our context with Homes for Horses especially when managing or working with at‐risk horses, traveling to events, or bringing new horses into your program.
Your task:
Do a little research on EHV-1/EHM (you can use the links I attached as a starting point).
Write a thoughtful response that covers:
What you learned about the outbreak and why it matters (general owners, breeding purposes, clinics).
How you and your horse can proactively apply this knowledge (thinking about what you do on the ground: biosecurity, monitoring, travel, exposure, signs to watch).
