There are many different kinds of herpesviruses out there, and some of them can be serious trouble for the animals in our care. Officials are now tracking a growing outbreak of neurological illness that’s spreading among working horses across the country.

On Monday, the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) issued its latest update on the outbreak of equine herpes myeloencephalopathy, or EHM. At least 29 cases of EHM have been identified in seven states so far. The outbreak appears to have originated from a rodeo and racing event held in Texas earlier this month.

A troublesome virus

EHM is caused by an infection of the equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1).

EHV-1 is a ubiquitous and highly contagious germ. Most horses catch it at some point in their lives, usually through direct contact

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