Dec 04, 2025
3 min read
Three horses in Lancaster County tested positive for equine herpesvirus, and one was euthanized due to the severity of the disease, according to the Equine Disease Communication Center.
Lancaster County Guide Euthanized After Massive Infection Found in Pennsylvania, Officials Say
Lancaster County horses are being euthanized out of caution after a large number of infections were found in Pennsylvania, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (EDCC).
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The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture reported Nov. 27 that three horses at a farm in Lancaster County tested positive for equine herpes virus (EHV), according to the EDCC.
One of the horses is due to the seriousness of the disease.
It is not certain whether the other horses were exposed to the virus.
What is EHV?
According to the EDCC, equine herpesvirus (EHV) is a virus that usually causes respiratory disease in horses, but some strains can cause neurological disease that can attack the brain and spinal cord, causing a serious condition called herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM).This occurs when blood vessels in the nervous system become inflamed and blood flow is reduced, damaging nerve tissue.
According to Edcc, common symptoms include fever, weakness in the legs, weakness, lethargy and urinary flow.In severe cases there may be changes in technique, problem closure, seizures or inability to stand.Despite the severity of the condition, the Board of Education said approximately 60 to 70 percent of horses recover with prompt veterinary care and isolation.
Miniature Horses at Hershey's "Stay"
According to the Downtown Hershey Association, there was a planned miniature horse ride that has now been canceled due to the EHV outbreak in Lancaster County.
The miniature horses are staying in place for safety and will return for another event in 2026, the association said.
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