EHV-1 Explained: What the Science Tells Us with Dr. Abby Sage and Dr. Lutz Goehring

About this episode

This episode discusses the science behind equine herpesvirus EHV-1, its transmission, and management strategies with experts in the field.

EHV-1 has dominated online conversation in recent weeks—but not all the information circulating reflects the science. In this episode of Equine Innovators, we step back from the noise to focus on what researchers and clinicians know about how equine herpesvirus infects horses, how it spreads, why latency matters, and what drives the neurologic form of the disease. Host Stephanie Church, editorial director at The Horse, speaks with Dr. Abby Sage , equine technical services veterinarian for Zoetis and a former state veterinary official, and Dr. Lutz Goehring , professor of equine infectious diseases at the University of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Center. Sage and Goehring explain what testing can—and cannot—tell us during an outbreak, clarify common misconceptions, and outline how vaccination and biosecurity fit into a thoughtful response. The conversation also looks ahead, exploring emerging diagnostic tools, vaccine research, and unanswered questions about viral reactivation and neurologic risk. Whether you’re a veterinarian or a horse owner navigating heightened concern, this episode offers grounded perspective and practical context. In this episode, Dr. Lutz Goehring and…

People in this episode

Host: Stephanie Church

Guests: Dr. Abby Sage, Dr. Lutz Goehring

Topics covered

• equine herpesvirus
• veterinary science
• disease outbreak
• vaccination
• biosecurity
• diagnostic tools

Keywords

• EHV-1
• equine herpesvirus
• veterinary medicine
• PCR testing
• vaccination
• biosecurity
• neurologic disease

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Zoetis, University of Kentucky, Gluck Equine Research Center