WACO, Texas — The spread of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) continues to be a concern as reports of cases and equine fatalities have been increasing in Central Texas. The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) confirmed that at least 23 cases have been linked to the recent Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals and Elite Barrel Race held in Waco from November 5 to 9.
According to the EDCC, the current status of confirmed cases in Texas as of December 1 includes 18 instances of the neurologic form of the virus, also known as Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), four horses testing positive for EHV-1 without neurological symptoms, and one additional case without clinical signs. Tragically, two horses have been euthanized in Bell and Parker counties as a result of the outbreak.
Dr. Jared Janke, a clinical associate professor of equine internal medicine at Texas A&M University, urged horse owners to be aware of several critical points regarding EHV-1. He explained that the virus can be transmitted in various ways, including direct contact between horses, airborne transmission over short distances, and indirect contact through people and equipment. The disease can manifest in respiratory, reproductive, and neurological symptoms, with the neurological variant posing the highest risk.
Timely diagnosis and reporting are vital for managing the outbreak, Dr. Janke noted. Owners should contact a veterinarian at the first sign of illness in their horses, enabling prompt diagnostic testing, treatment, and potentially quarantine measures. Blood tests and nasal swabs can confirm the presence of the virus, with results typically available within one to two days.
In response to the health crisis, the Texas Animal Health Commission implemented a mandatory 14-day quarantine for horses that attended the Waco event, a precaution that concluded on December 2. However, many events and rodeos scheduled for November and December have been canceled as a safety measure to curb potential spread.
Looking ahead, the WPRA is keeping the public informed about the situation’s evolution and its effects on future events. In Las Vegas, officials for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association have outlined updated health protocols for the 2025 National Finals Rodeo. These include comprehensive health checks on participating horses, a veterinary inspection certificate from the Nevada Department of Agriculture, and stringent biosecurity measures at the event venue.
State Veterinarian Rolfe emphasized that while movement restrictions are not currently in place, enhanced precautions are essential to minimize the risk of inter-animal disease transmission during this busy event season. Nevada agricultural authorities have cautioned horse owners about the heightened risk associated with large gatherings, urging vigilance and proactive protective measures for their animals.
As the threat from the EHV-1 outbreak persists, equestrian communities across the region are urged to remain alert and take necessary precautions to safeguard their horses from this harmful virus.