The Texas Department of Agriculture has issued an urgent alert to horse owners, trainers, and facility operators after veterinarians confirmed an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) linked to the World Championship Barrel Racing (WPRA) Finals held in Waco from November 5–9. Officials warn that an aggressive strain is circulating, and rapid action is necessary to prevent further spread. WPRA has cancelled or postponed many of their scheduled events.
Veterinarians in Central Texas have identified cases in horses connected to the event or with indirect exposure through hauling, stabling, or recent participation in multi-barn gatherings around the Waco region. State agriculture officials emphasize that the virus spreads quickly and that early signs can be subtle, making close monitoring essential. The Texas Animal Health Commission has issued a statement on the outbreak.
Who Should Take Immediate Action
Individuals are considered at risk if they:
- Had a horse present at the WPRA event.
- Transported a horse to or from the event.
- Have horses that mingled with animals returning from the event.
- Recently took part in large equine gatherings, jackpots, or events in the broader Waco region.
Clinical Signs to Watch For
Symptoms of EHV-1 vary and may range from mild to severe. Horse owners should watch closely for:
- Fever
- Nasal discharge, coughing, or respiratory changes
- Depression or lethargy
- Neurological issues, including stumbling, loss of coordination, hind-limb weakness, tail-tone loss, head tilt, or the inability to rise
- Pregnancy loss in mares
How EHV-1 Spreads
The virus moves easily between horses through:
- Nose-to-nose contact
- Aerosolized particles from coughing or sneezing
- Shared equipment such as tack, grooming tools, thermometers, buckets, hoses, and feed containers
People can also carry the virus on hands, clothing, or footwear, unknowingly spreading it from horse to horse or barn to barn.
Immediate Biosecurity Steps Recommended
The Texas Department of Agriculture advises the following measures:
- Isolate exposed horses for at least 14 days or until cleared by a veterinarian.
- Stop hauling and showing any horse that attended the WPRA event or was exposed to horses that did.
- Disinfect equipment and common areas, including trailers, cross-ties, wash racks, buckets, tack rooms, and grooming tools using a virucidal disinfectant.
- Avoid sharing equipment between exposed and unexposed horses.
- Check temperatures twice daily and report any fever at or above 101.5°F to a veterinarian right away.
- Immediately isolate symptomatic horses—especially those showing neurological signs—and use protective gear when handling them.
- Maintain detailed movement and contact records in case tracing becomes necessary.
- Stay in close communication with veterinarians and monitor updates from state animal-health officials.
State agricultural leaders stress that swift action by riders, trainers, breeders, and facility managers is critical to protecting Texas horses and the state’s $12.3 billion equine industry. Coordinated efforts, strict biosecurity, and careful monitoring over the next several weeks will be essential to preventing additional cases.
