Viral & Infectious Equine Diseases

Welcome to your comprehensive resource on viral and infectious diseases in horses!

Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or new to horse care, understanding the symptoms, treatments, and prevention strategies for infectious diseases is crucial for your horse’s health and the well-being of your entire stable.

Viral and infectious diseases in horses can spread quickly and have serious health implications. Recognizing these symptoms early can make a significant difference in your horse’s recovery and in preventing the spread of illness. Our articles cover a wide range of conditions, from common issues like Tetanus to more complex diseases such as Rabies, West Nile Virus, and Equine Coronavirus.

Each article delves into the causes and transmission of these diseases, evidence-based treatments, and practical tips for prevention and biosecurity measures. Whether you’re looking for advice on vaccination schedules, quarantine protocols, or seeking guidance on when to consult a veterinarian, we’ve got you covered.

Stay informed and empowered to give your horse the best possible care. Explore our collection of articles below and equip yourself with the knowledge needed to protect your horse from viral and infectious diseases.

Think your horse has a virus or an infectious disease?  –  Check out the Happie Horse Symptom Checker.


Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or new to horse care, understanding the symptoms, treatments, and prevention strategies for infectious diseases is crucial for your horse’s health and the well-being of your entire stable.

Viral and infectious diseases in horses can spread quickly and have serious health implications. Recognizing these symptoms early can make a significant difference in your horse’s recovery and in preventing the spread of illness. Our articles cover a wide range of conditions, from common issues like Tetanus to more complex diseases such as Rabies, West Nile Virus, and Equine Coronavirus.

Our Articles on Viral and Infectious Diseases

Learn all about Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

African horse sickness is a severe, viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, causing fever, respiratory distress, and swelling in horses, often leading to high mortality.
Parasites & Insects

African Horse Sickness

African Horse Sickness This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly. African Horse Sickness (AHS) is a highly infectious but non-contagious viral disease affecting horses, mules, and donkeys, caused by the African Horse Sickness Virus (AHSV).

Equine coronavirus is a contagious viral infection affecting horses, characterized by fever, lethargy, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.
Intestinal

Equine Coronavirus

Equine Coronavirus Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease. Equine Coronavirus (ECoV) is a viral infection in horses caused by a coronavirus known as ECoV. It primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as mild to moderate

Borna disease in horses is a viral infection affecting the central nervous system, causing neurological symptoms and potential fatality.
Neurological

Borna Disease

Borna Disease This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly. Borna Disease, caused by the Borna disease virus (BDV), is a rare viral infection that primarily affects horses and other mammals. It is characterized by neurological

Equine influenza in horses is a highly contagious respiratory virus causing fever, coughing, and nasal discharge.
Respiratory

Equine Influenza

Equine Influenza This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly. Equine Influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease that affects horses, characterized by fever, nasal discharge, and a persistent dry cough. It spreads rapidly through

West Nile Virus in horses is a mosquito-borne disease causing neurological symptoms such as fever, ataxia, and muscle weakness.
Parasites & Insects

West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly. West Nile Virus is a serious threat to horses with an estimated average case fatality rate of 30–40%. West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne

Ringworm in horses is a contagious fungal infection causing circular, hairless patches on the skin, often accompanied by itching and inflammation.
Skin and Coat

Ringworm in Horses

Ringworm in Horses Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment. Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection, which can not only quickly pass from horse to horse but also to humans. The responsible fungi, the dermatophytes, use keratin as a

Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection causing muscle stiffness and spasms, potentially fatal to horses.
Viral & Infectious

Tetanus (Lockjaw) in Horses

Tetanus (Lockjaw) in Horses This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly. Tetanus, commonly referred to as Lockjaw, is a bacterial toxin that attacks the nervous system of a horse’s body. It is an often fatal

Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) is a highly contagious viral infection causing respiratory disease, neurological disorders and even abortions
Viral & Infectious

Equine Herpesvirus

Equine Herpesvirus This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly. Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) is a highly contagious airborne disease and occurs in horses worldwide. The most common strains are EHV-1 and EHV-4. EHV can cause

Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection in horses caused by Streptococcus equi, characterized by fever, nasal discharge, and abscesses in the lymph nodes of the head and neck.
Respiratory

Strangles in Horses

Strangles in Horses This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly. Strangles, caused by the Streptococcus Equi Subspecies Equi (S. equi) bacterium, is a highly contagious upper respiratory tract disease. It causes an infection in the

Each article delves into the causes and transmission of these diseases, evidence-based treatments, and practical tips for prevention and biosecurity measures. Whether you’re looking for advice on vaccination schedules, quarantine protocols, or seeking guidance on when to consult a veterinarian, we’ve got you covered.

Stay informed and empowered to give your horse the best possible care. Explore our collection of articles above and equip yourself with the knowledge needed to protect your horse from viral and infectious diseases.

Think your horse has a virus or an infectious disease? Check out the Happie Horse Symptom Checker.