1-14-2026 6:47pm

NJDA PR: Burlington County Horse Tests Positive for Equine Herpesvirus

Donnella Tilery Editor

(TRENTON) – The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) has quarantined a property in Burlington County after one horse developed the highly infectious equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). The horse, an 18-year-old gelding, developed acute clinical signs on January 7, 2026, and was subsequently humanely euthanized. EHM is the often-deadly neurologic form of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) infection. The two remaining horses on the premises are under quarantine and being monitored for sickness. No recent horse movements have occurred from this herd, making the risk of disease spread from this case very low.“The Department took swift action to prevent the disease from spreading to other horses by enacting a quarantine, which stops movement of horses in and out of the properties and puts in place preventive measures to contain the virus,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn. “Horse owners are encouraged to work with their veterinarian and the State when animals show symptoms such as those of EHV-1.”The EHV-1 virus spreads quickly from horse to horse. It can cause respiratory problems, spontaneous abortions in pregnant mares, and the neurologic form of the virus can result in death. The virus does not affect humans and other domestic animals, except for llamas and alpacas.For more details, including clinical signs and prevention measures, please visit the NJDA Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory website: www.jerseyvetlab.nj.gov.