EHV-1 Outbreak Expands: New Cases Confirmed, Widespread Event Cancellations Across U.S.

The aggressive Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) outbreak continues to escalate, with new confirmed cases of its dangerous neurological form, Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), reported in Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma. The expanding crisis has forced the cancellation and postponement of numerous equine events across the United States, raising significant concerns within the equestrian community.

Latest Confirmed Cases as of November 20

The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) has confirmed several new cases linked to the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) Barrel Race held November 5-9 in Waco, Texas.

• East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana: Three horses that attended the Waco event are now exhibiting neurological symptoms and receiving treatment at LSU Veterinary Hospital.
• McLennan County, Texas: Two new cases have been confirmed, further establishing the Waco event as a key point of transmission.
• Logan County, Oklahoma: Two confirmed cases involve horses that traveled from the Waco event to Oklahoma.
• St. Mary’s County, Maryland: In a separate case, a 21-year-old Paint gelding was euthanized on November 12 after developing severe neurological signs. The horse, which was vaccinated, was unable to stand and ultimately succumbed to the disease.

Ripple Effect of Cancellations Disrupts Equestrian Calendar

The severity of the outbreak has prompted a widespread shutdown of equine competitions to prevent further spread. The Barrel Futurities of America (BFA) World Championship in Guthrie, Oklahoma, was canceled mid-event following the confirmation of EHM cases on-site.

This was just the beginning of a wave of disruptions. Notable cancellations and postponements now include:

• The Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo in Mulvane, Kansas.
• The Uvalde Rodeo Qualifier for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.
• The DeSoto County Pro Rodeo in Mississippi (postponed).
• The Fiddler's Turkey Run Barrel Racing event at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida (canceled as a precaution).

In a significant move, the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) has removed its sanctioning for all events through December 1, 2025, pending a reassessment of the situation. Countless other local and regional barrel races, roping events, and hunter/jumper shows in multiple states have also been canceled or rescheduled as organizers prioritize equine safety.

The impact of this outbreak is not isolated to the rodeo industry. Veterinarians are urging all equestrian disciplines to take the situation seriously due to the highly contagious nature of the disease. This outbreak has prompted heightened vigilance not just in rodeo circles but across all equestrian sports, underscoring the need for proactive measures to safeguard equine health nationwide.

Here's how other disciplines are being affected:

• Dressage, Show Jumping, and Hunter/Jumper: Reports from the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Texas indicate they are monitoring the situation closely and have implemented enhanced biosecurity measures for hunter/jumper competitions. The United Dressage and Jumping Club has also adjusted its schedule out of caution.
• Texas Rose Horse Park (Horse Events) Temporary Halt: All horse events are paused until December 2nd. The reason is a contagious equine virus outbreak (Equine Herpesvirus Type 1, or EHV-1) linked to a Central Texas event.

Understanding the Threat and Protecting Your Horse

EHV-1 is a highly contagious virus that spreads through direct horse-to-horse contact, contaminated equipment, and even on the hands and clothing of humans. While it often presents as a respiratory illness, it can develop into the life-threatening neurological form, EHM. Horses can carry and shed the virus without showing any signs, especially during times of stress like travel and competition.

Veterinarians and state animal health officials are urging horse owners to implement strict biosecurity protocols immediately.

• Isolate and Monitor: Any horse that attended the WPRA or BFA events should be quarantined for at least 14 days (21 days for those in direct contact with a horse who has tested positive). Monitor temperatures twice daily, and contact your veterinarian if a fever of 101.5°F or higher is detected.
• Disinfect Everything: Clean and disinfect all shared items, including feed and water buckets, grooming tools, tack, and trailers.
• Limit Movement: Avoid all non-essential travel and prevent nose-to-nose contact between your horses and others.
• Consult Your Vet: Report any signs of illness, such as fever, cough, nasal discharge, or neurological symptoms (like stumbling or weakness), to your veterinarian without delay.

The equestrian community must remain vigilant and work together to contain this serious outbreak. For official updates and detailed information about EHV-1, horse owners should visit the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) website.

Resources:

For more information on EHV-1 and EHM, including prevention and treatment, visit the EDCC website or consult the AAEP Fact Sheet .