11/20/2025
As someone who bounces around barns to photograph clients, some additional tips and things I’ll be implementing at my last sessions for the year!
1. As cute as they are, avoid any face pats/nose scritches
2. Anything the horse touches (my infamous stick horse for example) should be cleaned
3. Sanitize yourself and your gear before putting it or yourself in your car
4. Wash all the clothes you wear, especially cleaning the bottoms of your shoes!
5. Be transparent if you’ve been anywhere, and ask to be updated if any horses at barns you’ve been to recently get sick so you can let clients know of any risk or watch outs, and plan to be flexible on rescheduling!
Here are the questions discussed in the conversation on the live A and A: continue asking questions and we will answer throughout the day.
1. Should producers cancel this weekend?
- Answer: Yes, they should cancel.
2. How would you advise neighboring states to proceed with horse events?
- Answer: Less movement of horses will help resolve the outbreak faster.
3. Is BVH aware of cases outside of the Waco horses?
- Answer: Currently, only aware of cases in Waco, but expect potential spread.
4. Is this contagious to humans?
- Answer: No, it is not contagious to people.
5. Can someone who attended these races get a test at the clinic?
- Answer: Yes, they can screen horses and we will do trailer-side examinations.
6. How do you advise other disciplines to respond?
- Answer: Be discipline-specific, vaccinate, take temperatures, and practice good biosecurity.
7. Is there any risk that farriers could transmit this from barn to barn?
- Answer: Unlikely, as farriers are typically careful about infectious disease transmission.
8. How do people get vaccines without bringing their horse to the clinic?
- Answer: Vaccines require a veterinary exam, either at the clinic or on the farm, call and we can schedule this for you.
9. When do you suggest getting boosters?
- Answer: If the last vaccines were given more than 90 days ago, then as soon as possible to increase antibodies and slow virus spread.
10. What is your choice for disinfecting tech buckets, the barn, etc.?
- Answer: Avoid bleach, use accelerated hydrogen peroxide, phenols, or quaternary ammonia products. (rescue or companion)
11. How long will the virus last on surfaces if not disinfected?
- Answer: 2 days on dry surfaces, up to 2 weeks on wet surfaces.
12. Can horses have the virus without fever or nasal discharge?
- Answer: Yes, they can still be potentially contagious.
13. Can lysine or other products help prevent or build immunity?
- Answer: No, lysine and zinc have not been effective. Vaccines are the best prevention.
14. What is a normal horse temperature?
- Answer: 99 to 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on environmental conditions.
15. Is it okay to ride your horse at home if they were exposed but have no symptoms?
- Answer: Yes, but be smart about separating horses and avoid sharing tack.
16. If a horse had recent exposure in the last two days and is not vaccinated, should they be vaccinated now?
- Answer: Yes, vaccination can help reduce virus shedding and spread.
