On Friday, April 17, 2026, HITS Culpeper Show Management was notified of a confirmed case of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM). The horse, a 21-year-old gelding, was immediately removed from the showgrounds upon presentation of symptoms and admitted to the Equine Medical Center.
The second horse tested in the quarantine space per the show veterinarian is unrelated; the first of two tests came back negative for EHM.
The cohorts from the farm of the affected horse were immediately isolated according to the USEF biosecurity plan and removed from the show grounds later on Friday. Forty-two horses have been exposed and quarantined by the State of Virginia Animal Health officials. These horses are allowed to return home to quarantine in areas not exposed to other horses for 2 weeks. The body temperatures will be monitored on all exposed horses twice daily and any febrile horses will be tested for EHV-1.
The unexposed horses on the property were released from the property with no restrictions and also allowed to stay and show. To stay updated on this situation, see Equine Disease Communication Center. Also see their site for accurate information about EHM:
https://www.equinediseasecc.org/
HITS Culpeper is working closely with the State of Virginia, U.S. Equestrian, and our veterinary partners to monitor the situation and manage the risk of EHM and other equine diseases. Upon receipt of the positive result, the state veterinarian conducted a town hall meeting for all exhibitors to discuss the circumstances and best practices going forward.
At this time, competition will continue. Further updates will be shared as new information becomes available.
HITS encourages all participates at HITS Culpeper and all HITS Shows to maintain vigilant biosecurity practices.
