An EHV-1/EHM outbreak linked to the Waco WPRA World Finals has spread across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Colorado. See confirmed cases and essential barn biosecurity steps.
The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) has reported an expanding outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) and Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) linked to a recent event in Waco, Texas. The outbreak originated at the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals and Elite Barrel Race held Nov. 5-9.
As of midday Nov. 21, confirmed cases have been identified in five states. The current breakdown of cases directly associated with the event includes:
- Texas: 7 confirmed EHM cases
- Oklahoma: 1 confirmed EHV-1 case and 3 confirmed EHM cases
- Louisiana: 3 confirmed EHM cases
- Colorado: 1 confirmed EHM case
- New Mexico: 1 confirmed EHM Case
The EDCC noted that an additional EHM case reported in Maryland on Nov. 18 is not associated with the Waco outbreak.
EHV-1 is a highly contagious equine virus that can cause respiratory disease, abortion in pregnant mares and neurological symptoms. EHM is the neurological manifestation of the virus, which results from inflammation of blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord. While the disease can be fatal, the EDCC reports that 60% to 70% of affected horses recover with appropriate treatment and supportive care.
Biosecurity Measures for Barns
To contain the spread of the virus, experts urge barn managers and horse owners to implement strict biosecurity protocols. The virus spreads through direct horse-to-horse contact, contaminated equipment and human interaction.
The following comprehensive checklist details essential supplies and procedures recommended for barns during an outbreak.
Core Biosecurity Supplies
Barns should stock these essential items to maintain hygiene and prevent transmission:
- Disinfectant Mats: Place these at all entry and exit points to clean footwear. (Example)
- Disinfectant Cleaners: Use hospital-grade cleaners for all surfaces and shared equipment. (Example)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Staff should wear disposable gear when handling potentially infected horses
- Disposable coveralls (Example)
- Long-sleeve aprons (Example)
- Nitrile gloves (Example)
- Disposable boot covers (Example)
Chlorhexidine Products: Use for cleaning and sanitizing horses and handlers.
Sanitizing Products: Ensure hand sanitizer and sprays are readily available.
Horse-Specific Items: Do not share these items between horses.
- Individual thermometers (Example)
- Temperature logbooks (Example)
- Immune and gut support supplements (Immune Support, Gut Support)
Additional Recommendations
Beyond basic supplies, facility managers should consider these enhanced protocols:
- Dedicate Tools for Each Stall: Assign separate feed tubs, water buckets, pitchforks and muck buckets to each horse. Never share equipment between healthy and quarantined horses.
- Establish Footbaths: Place shallow tubs filled with disinfectant solutions, such as Virkon S or Trifectant, at all barn entry and exit points.
- Implement Laundry Protocols: Use biohazard-marked bins for contaminated items. Wash items in hot water with bleach or disinfectant detergent. Ideally, use a separate washing machine for quarantine items.
- Post Clear Signage: Place signs at quarantine zones, such as “No Entry – Quarantine” and “PPE Required,” to limit access and ensure compliance.
- Use Disposable Paper Products: Replace reusable cloth towels with heavy-duty paper towels and single-use grooming wipes to prevent cross-contamination.
- Secure Trash Bins: Use foot-pedal-operated trash bins with lids for disposing of gloves, PPE and contaminated materials.
- Mark Zones with Tape: Mark quarantine areas with red or yellow tape and label stalls clearly. Maintain a log for anyone entering the zone.
- Isolate Medical Tools: Provide individual stethoscopes and grooming tools for each horse. Use nylon halters and lead ropes, which are easier to disinfect than leather.
- Control Ventilation: Assign fans exclusively to quarantine areas and prevent shared airflow between healthy and quarantined horses.
- Stock Emergency Supplies: Keep NSAIDs, electrolytes and fluids on hand as prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Prepare Transport Kits: Have disposable trailer mats, tarps and post-transport disinfectants ready for moving horses under quarantine.
Preventing the Spread
Veterinarians emphasize that biosecurity remains the most effective tool to contain the outbreak. Barn managers should ensure all staff receive training in proper protocols. Regular monitoring of horses’ temperatures—twice daily—is critical, as fever is often the first sign of infection.
For the latest updates on case numbers and regional alerts, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center.
