Veterinarian Dr. Justin High has delivered an urgent update on the recent EHV-1 cases emerging in Central Texas—sharing essential information for rodeo athletes, trainers, and horse owners as the situation continues to develop. He notes that symptoms may appear subtle at first, and the unfolding outbreak could influence event schedules, horse movement, and even preparations for major competitions such as the National Finals Rodeo, should conditions worsen.
(Source: You Tube – The Cowboy Channel, Dr. Justin High)
Updates on current disease outbreaks are listed here as they occur and will include the date listed, disease name, location and current status. Specific premises will not be named but the general location by town, county and state will be listed. When locations, events or horses are at risk they will be listed. Updates will be posted as they are received.
Official Update from the Texas Department of Agriculture
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and Commissioner Sid Miller have issued an alert following confirmed cases of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) connected to the WPRA World Championship Barrel Racing Finals in Waco (Nov. 5–9).
Horse owners, trainers, and anyone who has attended large equine gatherings in the Waco region within the last 14 days are urged to take immediate action.
“This virus can spread fast, it can be deadly, and the earliest signs are easy to miss.”
—Commissioner Sid Miller
(Source: Texas Dept. of Agriculture)
About EHV: What Horse Owners Should Know
(Sources: AAEP Infectious Disease Guidelines 2025; ACVIM EHV-1 Consensus Statement 2024)
Equine herpesviruses (EHV-1, EHV-3, EHV-4) are common DNA viruses found worldwide. The most significant for domestic horses are:
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EHV-1 – respiratory disease, abortion, and neurologic disease (EHM)
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EHV-4 – primarily respiratory disease
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EHV-3 – venereal disease (coital exanthema)
Key facts from AAEP & ACVIM:
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EHV-1 and EHV-4 commonly cause mild respiratory illness but EHV-1 can lead to abortion and the neurologic form, EHM, which may be fatal.
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Horses can carry and shed the virus without symptoms, allowing silent transmission.
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EHM (neurologic form) results from damage to blood vessels in the spinal cord and can appear suddenly—with or without fever beforehand.
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Asymptomatic infection and long-term latent carriers are common.
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Testing, isolation, and strict biosecurity are the most effective control tools.
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Vaccines help reduce respiratory disease and shedding but do not fully prevent infection or EHM.
Clinical Signs of EHV-1 / EHV-4
(AAEP Infectious Disease Guidelines)
Respiratory signs:
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Fever (often the earliest sign; may be missed)
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Nasal discharge
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Cough
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Lethargy
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Swollen lymph nodes
Neurologic signs (EHM):
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Hind-limb weakness
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Ataxia or stumbling
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Urine dribbling / retention
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Loss of tail tone
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Recumbency
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Occasionally seizures or cranial nerve signs
Reproductive:
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Abortions can occur weeks to months after infection with no warning signs.
How EHV Spreads
(AAEP Guidelines)
EHV spreads quickly and efficiently through:
Direct Transmission
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Nose-to-nose contact
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Respiratory droplets from coughing/sneezing
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Contact with aborted fetuses, placenta, or fetal fluids
Indirect Transmission (Fomites)
Virus can survive for days to weeks on:
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Tack
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Buckets & hoses
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Trailers
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Grooming tools
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Clothing, boots, hands
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Stall surfaces, wash racks, tie areas
Incubation period:
Typically 4–6 days, but can be as short as 24 hours.
TDA Recommendations for Immediate Action
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Isolate any horse that attended Waco-area events for at least 14 days.
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Suspend hauling or showing exposed horses until cleared by a veterinarian.
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Disinfect all equipment, trailers, buckets, grooming tools, stalls, tack, and communal areas.
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Avoid sharing any tack, halters, or water sources.
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Monitor temperatures twice daily and report fevers ≥ 101.5°F.
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Isolate immediately if any respiratory or neurologic signs appear.
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Keep accurate logs and movement for tracing.
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Maintain communication with your veterinarian and state animal health officials.
Why This Matters
Texas’ equine industry contributes over $12.3 billion to the state economy. Quick response, early detection, and strict biosecurity are essential to mitigate spread and protect both individual horses and the broader community.
Credit & Sources
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Primary Veterinary Update: The Cowboy Channel & Dr. Justin High
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Press Release: Texas Department of Agriculture – Commissioner Sid Miller
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Scientific References:
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