One Week Out: Show Readiness & Biosecurity Update

As we approach our upcoming show, we want to provide clear, factual guidance regarding a recent health-related incident in our region and how we are managing it at Beverly.

Recent Incident at HITS Culpeper

Last Friday (April 17), a single horse was identified and tested in Barn 5 at Culpeper for equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy, the disease caused by the virus EHV-1. Upon confirmation, that barn was immediately quarantined. In accordance with established protocol, all horses within that barn are required to remain in place for a two-week period and are not permitted to ship out.

At this time:

• No horses from the affected barn have been permitted to leave

• To date, no horses in Barn 5 have exhibited symptoms

• No additional cases have been reported in connection with this incident

The show continued operations under the direction of the State Veterinarian and in accordance with applicable regulations. As with any competition, exhibitors made individual decisions based on their own discretion and comfort level.

What This Means in Context

While any confirmed case raises concern, it is important to distinguish between a contained incident and a broader outbreak.

It is also important to understand:

• Many horses carry latent Equine Herpesvirus without showing symptoms

• Latent EHV can reactivate without obvious warning. When it does, it spreads through respiratory droplets—often before clear signs appear. Nearby horses may inhale these particles, and the virus can also settle on surfaces such as bedding, equipment, and clothing, where it may persist for hours to days

• Accordingly, it is not uncommon for symptoms, if they develop, to appear after a horse has already left a show environment

• As a result, most guidelines observe a symptom onset window within 7–10 days post-exposure

Beverly Policy & Requirements

Although our show date is over 7 days after the confirmed incident, it is still within the 7-10 observation window, and we are monitoring accordingly. We are maintaining a clear and disciplined approach, consistent with veterinary and regulatory guidance:

• No horses from Barn 5 at Culpeper are permitted to attend our show

• Proof of Flu/Rhino vaccination within 6 months is required

• Any horse with fever or clinical symptoms must not ship to the show

• Standard biosecurity protocols remain in place, including separation between ship-in horses and resident barn populations

At this time, we are aware of no available information that this one confirmed case has lead to other cases in our region. Therefore, there is no basis to alter or postpone the show based on available information. We will continue to monitor developments closely and will reassess if conditions change. This is a fluid situation and we are and will remain completely transparent about our decisions, including changing them as the situation requires.

Guidance & Resources

In the meantime, we strongly encourage all competitors to rely on verified, science-based information:

• Equine Disease Communication Center

• United States Department of Agriculture guidance

• Your attending veterinarian

You can follow updates directly from the EDCC here:https://equinediseasecc.org

Additional veterinary guidance on EHV-1:https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/everything-you-need-know-about-ehv-1

As always, the State Veterinarian maintains authority in these situations, and all applicable competition regulations remain in force.

Acknowledging the Reality

Situations like this are understandably unsettling. The loss of a horse in this case is deeply upsetting and serves as a reminder of the realities of our sport.

Horses are herd-based animals. Competitions bring them into close proximity. And Equine Herpesvirus is a virus without a cure.

Our responsibility is to manage that reality with care, discipline, and respect—for the horses, for our competitors, and for the broader community.

Moving Forward

At Beverly, we remain committed to:

• Following established veterinary guidance

• Maintaining a safe and well-managed environment

• Providing a consistent, professional show experience

If you have questions, we encourage you to reach out. When appropriate, we will direct inquiries to veterinary professionals and official sources.

We look forward to welcoming you and appreciate your partnership in keeping our community informed and responsible.