Infectious Diseases | Equine Disease Communication Center

Infectious disease in horses is caused by a specific MICROBIAL agent such as a bacteria, viruses, or parasites. When left untreated, infectious disease can spread rapidly in groups of horses. Use the table below to learn more about a specific infectious diseases including the transmission, clinical signs, treatment, prognosis and prevention.

Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)

Equine herpesvirus (EHV) usually causes a mild respiratory disease which is self-limiting. There are several types of EHV but the predominant forms are EHV-1 and EHV-4. Both EHV-1 and EHV-4 are associated with respiratory disease, abortion and rarely neurologic disease known as equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM).

Strangles

Streptococcus equi equi also known as “Strep Equi” or Strangles is highly contagious and is spread by horse-to-horse contact or by humans, tack, drinking troughs and other environmental factors.

West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that affects horses and results in fever and neurologic disease.

African Horse Sickness

Anthrax