EHM Guidelines for State Animal Health Officials

During Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) incidents, the state animal health officials’ (SAHO) goal is to prevent the spread of the disease agent, specifically Equine Herpesvirus-1. Science-based disease control protocols, adapted to the specific incident, control disease spread while ensuring compliance and minimizing the impact on equine movement.

There is no single protocol that can be applied to all EHM incidents as there are multiple factors that must be considered when determining the optimal disease containment response. This guidance document provides SAHOs with science- and field experience-based control guidance to be considered during an EHM incident. This guidance document is an evolving document.