Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy is a neurological disease of horses caused by Equine Herpes Virus (EHV). Equine herpesvirus is a common DNA virus that occurs in horse populations worldwide. The two most common strains are EHV-1, which causes abortion, respiratory disease and neurological disease (any neurological symptoms require calling the State Veterinarian's office at 303-869-9130); and EHV-4, which usually causes respiratory disease only but can occasionally cause abortion and rarely cause neurological disease. EHM can be very contagious, and also can have a mortality (death) rate as high as 30%.
Additional information on EHM
I am a veterinarian:
I am a horse owner:
- A Guide to Understanding the Neurologic Form of EHV Infection
- Keeping Your Horses Safe at Weekend Events
- Rodeo Horses and Respiratory Disease Prevention
- EDCC Fact Sheet on EHM
I am an equine event organizer or barn owner:
- Biosecurity for Farm Visits