Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) panel

Equine Herpesvirus 1 & 4 (EHV-1 & EHV-4)

EHV-1 and EHV-4 are highly prevalent alphaherpesviruses in horses, capable of causing respiratory disease, reproductive losses, and neurological disorders. While both viruses share genetic similarities, they differ significantly in clinical impact:

• EHV-1 – associated with abortion, neonatal foal death, and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM)
• EHV-4 – more commonly causes upper respiratory tract infections, especially in young horses

Clinical signs include:

• Fever, nasal discharge, coughing
• Incoordination, hindlimb weakness (in EHM)
• Abortion storms in unvaccinated mares

qPCR testing offers:

• Rapid and sensitive detection of viral DNA from nasopharyngeal swabs, blood, or tissue samples
• Ability to distinguish between EHV-1 and EHV-4
• Detection even in latent or subclinical stages during outbreaks

qPCR is essential for:

• Early diagnosis and outbreak control
• Isolation and movement decisions during respiratory or neurological events
• Pre-breeding and pre-export screening in high-risk animals

Timely identification enables implementation of biosecurity measures, targeted vaccination, and reduction of disease spread on stud farms and competition yards.