Equine viral arteritis is a preventable disease that can be controlled by sound management practices and selective use of a commercial, modified live virus vaccine. Management practices that help control this disease include:

• Observe sound management practices to limit exposure to respiratory infections with isolation of new arrivals for 3-4 weeks and keep pregnant mares in small, isolated groups.

• Follow any national, state, or local guidelines regarding testing of horses for the equine arteritis virus and vaccination

• Separately manage carrier stallions to avoid the risk of inadvertent spread of the virus to previously uninfected or unvaccinated horses on the premises

• Breed carrier stallions only to naturally positive mares or mares adequately immunized against equine viral arteritis

• If recommended, vaccinate breeding stallions and colts against the disease between 6 and 12 months of age (before puberty and before significant risk of infection)

• Test fresh-cooled or frozen semen used for artificial insemination, especially if imported, for virus