The Texas Department of Agriculture on Monday issued a warning to horse owners across the state after veterinarians confirmed an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1, or EHV-1, in horses that attended the World Championship Barrel Racing finals in the Waco area from November 5 to 9.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said veterinarians in Central Texas reported multiple EHV-1 cases in horses connected to the event. The department said the affected horses had traveled to or from the barrel racing finals near Waco. Investigations into the number of cases and the source of the infections are ongoing.
The department said the strain identified appears aggressive based on the speed of spread and severity of clinical signs. Miller said the virus spreads quickly and can cause fatal illness. He said early signs may be subtle without close monitoring.
The department urged horse owners to watch for changes in behavior or health. Horse owners whose animals attended the event were told to act immediately.
Veterinarians said clinical signs of EHV-1 range from mild to severe. Reported signs include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, respiratory changes, depression, lethargy, stumbling, incoordination, loss of tail tone, hind-limb weakness, head tilt, and, in severe cases, inability to rise. They said the virus can also cause abortions in pregnant mares.
The department said horses can transmit the virus through direct contact or through aerosolized particles from coughing or sneezing. Indirect transmission can occur through shared tack, grooming tools, buckets, thermometers, and other equipment. Officials said people can carry the virus on hands, clothing, or boots after contact with infected horses or contaminated surfaces.
The department recommended monitoring temperatures twice daily for exposed horses and reporting fevers of 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Respiratory or neurological signs should be reported immediately. Any horse showing those signs should be isolated, and protective gear should be used when handling exposed or sick animals. Owners were urged to contact veterinarians promptly.
The agency advised keeping records of horse movements and event attendance to support contact tracing. Officials said owners should stay in contact with veterinarians and follow updates from state authorities as the investigation continues.
Miller said riders, ropers, trainers, and breeders should check their horses twice daily, isolate exposed animals, improve biosecurity practices, and contact veterinarians to protect the state’s equine industry.