Just when we think life is under control, Mother Nature surprises us with something new or unusual.

Emerging issues such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in horses, ivermectin-resistant parasites, and the ever-present threat of foreign animal disease pathogens entering the United States via insects or migrating birds pose never-ending challenges to researchers, in both veterinary and human medicine.

After first being recognized in the 1960s, equine neurologic herpesvirus disease was diagnosed sporadically. It did not occur as recognized outbreaks of disease, as has been experienced recently. A mere one-point mutation in the DNA of the virus changes it from a "typical" herpesvirus respiratory or abortion clinical presentation to one that neurologically affects healthy adult horses. While it is an amazing feat of scientific discovery to have determined this mutation, researchers have significant work ahead in seeking effective prevention and treatment for this devastating disease