A recent survey has highlighted significant gaps in awareness among UK horse owners regarding Equine Herpes Virus (EHV), a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that can affect every horse and pony.
Conducted by Zoetis UK Ltd, the research involved 2,256 horse owners and revealed that a quarter of respondents were unclear about how EHV is transmitted and the associated risks to their animals.
EHV, an airborne virus, can lead to respiratory issues, neurological disease, and poor performance. The survey found that up to 25% of owners were unaware that EHV could spread via air droplets, shared equipment, handlers, or contaminated bedding. Despite this, 98% of respondents acknowledged that equine gatherings increase the risk of disease transmission, and 75% reported regularly leaving their home premises with their horses.
While compliance for flu and tetanus vaccinations was high at 95%, only 17% of horse owners reported vaccinating for EHV. Interestingly, 86% believed vaccination could significantly reduce the spread of the disease. Among owners not currently vaccinating, 78% said they would consider doing so after understanding EHV’s potential impact, and 93% would vaccinate if recommended by their vet.
Dr Wendy Talbot, National Equine Veterinary Manager at Zoetis, said: “The survey shows that there is still a lack of awareness about aspects of EHV and how to protect horses via preventative management strategies. We are working with veterinarians to provide information and support so that owners can routinely reduce the risks of this serious disease.”
The findings also have important implications for livery yards, where the welfare of multiple horses must be managed collectively. Biosecurity measures, including proper hygiene, isolation protocols, and vaccination requirements, are essential to protect all equines on site. Routine preventative care, including EHV vaccination where appropriate, is increasingly considered an expectation for horses on the yard, ensuring both the safety of individual animals and the wider herd.
As Dr Talbot emphasised, “Horse owners should seek guidance from their vets and livery yard managers to ensure they are following best practice in biosecurity and preventative care. Together, these strategies are key to safeguarding horse welfare and health.”
Because the survey shows many owners are willing to follow veterinary advice, veterinarians and livery yard managers have a key role in educating horse owners and implementing practical measures to prevent the spread of EHV.