1. Minimize exposure to horses that may be carrying the disease. At a recent schooling show, Dr. Crabbe kept her horses a minimum of 35-feet from other horses. No more nose touching. She also opted to haul in and out—avoiding stabling altogether.
2. Disinfect stalls and stable areas before moving your horse into show grounds or a new facility. "A quaternary ammonium or phenolic-based disinfectant is best," Dr. Crabbe says."Put disinfectant in a spray bottle and liberally spray stalls before moving in."
3. Monitor temperatures before traveling. "I never ship a horse that has had a fever within five days of a haul," Dr. Crabbe says. "Herpes is activated during periods of stress, including hauling."
4. Avoid contact with any horse experiencing a fever—especially if neurological symptoms are present. "By monitoring temperatures daily, you can identify exposed horses that are risk and isolate them from the rest of the barn."
5. Isolate new horses from the rest of your barn for two weeks to 30 days. Any newcomer should be in a stall at least 30 to 40 feet away from other horses; have separate grooming/cleaning tools; and no direct contact with other horses.
6. Pay attention to isolation protocols should your horse be directly exposed and keep him at home until the outbreak is completely resolved, to protect other horses in the community.