Equine Herpesvirus Raises Biosecurity Concerns Across Pennsylvania

• Asia Tabb
  BioRecent Stories

  

  Asia Tabb is the Host and Producer for WITF’s The Spark.
  
  She began her start in radio when she joined legendary radio/ host producer, Doc Christian. She worked closely with Doc for her role on “The Gospel Express, on WHOV 88.1 FM and was a host for “Unrestricted Praise” at Praise FM.
  
  Previously she was an anchor in Shreveport, Louisiana at KTAL/KMSS. Asia also worked as a Multi-Media Journalist at WHP-TV here in Harrisburg, PA.
  
  Asia got her break into news at KTVO in Ottumwa, Ia. While the 2020 caucuses were gearing up. Asia followed many candidates through their campaign trail from Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and 46th President of the United States Joe Biden.
  
  Asia was born and raised in Norfolk, Va. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2018 with a major in Communications.
  
  Asia is extremely friendly so don’t be afraid to say hi if you see her out and about.

 Dan Gleiter / PennLive

The Pa. House looks to restrict use of a sedative used on large farm animals and household pets.

AIRED; January 15, 2025

Listen to the podcast to write a full conversation. 

Equine herpesvirus, a long-present but often misunderstood disease, has recently drawn heightened attention across Pennsylvania’s horse community. Capri Deanne Stiles, president of the PA Equine Council, explained that the virus is not new and commonly presents with low-grade fever, lethargy, and mild respiratory symptoms. The most serious concern is the neurological form, known as Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), which affects the spinal column and has no vaccine. “This disease is endemic—it’s been here,” Stiles said, emphasizing that awareness and education are key rather than panic.

The concern has grown in part because Pennsylvania is home to more than 223,000 horses, making it the eighth-largest equine state in the nation. Stiles noted that recent national equine events in states like Texas and Oklahoma included Pennsylvania participants, prompting close coordination with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. “We have to make sure that people are educated about the disease,” she said, adding that strong biosecurity practices helped limit risk. The outbreak also led to confusion around cancellations at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, though most equine events continued with added precautions and lighter participation in some areas, particularly among breeding farms.

Dr. Danielle Smarsh, an equine extension specialist and associate professor at Penn State, stressed that misconceptions about the virus are common. While vaccines exist for EHV-1 and EHV-4, there is no vaccine for the neurological form. Still, Smarsh urged calm and practical action. “I wouldn’t panic,” she said. “With proper biosecurity, you can really reduce the risk.” Both Smarsh and Stiles highlighted simple but effective steps—such as handwashing, dedicated footwear, and monitoring horse health—as critical tools to protect Pennsylvania’s horses and keep the broader equine industry safe.