An aggressive strain of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) — including neurological cases classified as equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — has been confirmed by multiple equine veterinary clinics in Texas. Several cases have been traced to horses attending major events in early November, including the WPRA World Finals and Elite Barrel Race held Nov. 5–9, 2025, in Waco.

The WPRA and Elite Barrel Race have publicly confirmed they are working closely with the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) as the investigation continues. Both organizations report that no livestock had been on the facility grounds since Oct. 12, 2025, prior to the WPRA event’s arrival, and they are cooperating fully with state officials.

This update summarizes what horse owners should know about EHV-1, how the neurological form (EHM) develops, and the steps owners can take to monitor exposed horses and prevent further spread.

BarrelRacing.com will continue to update readers as updates are received.

Update as of November 19, 6:30 p.m. CST.

Barrel Futurities of America:

BFA posted Nov. 18 on their Facebook page: “We just received an update from the Oklahoma State Vet. There has been a confirmed positive EVH. BFA feels that it is in the best interest of all the contestants to cancel the remainder of the show. The state has not quarantined the Lazy E, so it isn’t urgent to leave now, but it is suggested to go within the next 24 hours.”

Prairie Circuit Finals:

The Prairie ProRodeo Circuit posted Nov. 18 on their Facebook page: “Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo Cancellation

After careful consultation with veterinarians, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Women’s Pro Rodeo Association (WPRA), we have made the difficult decision to cancel this weekend’s Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo due to confirmed cases of equine herpesvirus (EHV) in the region.

The health and safety of every horse, along with the well-being of our contestants and their animals, is our highest priority. We cannot risk exposing any animal to this virus, and we believe this is the most responsible choice to protect our rodeo community.

We know this is a disappointment and an inconvenience for our ticket buyers, contestants, and fans. Please know this decision was made with heavy hearts, but with clear conviction that our horses’ safety must come first.

Thank you for understanding and for supporting the cowboys, cowgirls, and equine athletes who make this sport what it is. Ticket refund information will be provided soon.

Uvalde Texas/ San Antonio Qualifier:

On Nov. 19, The Women’s Professional Rodeo Assoication announced: “The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) are following the recommended guidelines of the Texas Animal Health Commission and have made the decision to cancel the Uvalde Rodeo Qualifier, Nov 19-22. The safety and well-being of our animal athletes is our top priority, and the recent EHV-1 announcement from other events has led us to cancel the rodeo.

Additional information regarding how this cancellation will affect the contestant field for the San Antonio Rodeo in February will be provided once details are finalized.

We appreciate everyone’s understanding during this time.”

NBHA

On Nov. 19, the National Barrel Horse Association Posted: “Due to the recent Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) concerns and the significant difficulty in tracing potential exposure among horses that have traveled from numerous states, the National Barrel Horse Association is implementing immediate precautionary measures.

Effective today, November 19th, 2025 the NBHA is removing all NBHA sanctioning from events scheduled through December 1.

This pause is being taken out of an abundance of caution to protect the health and welfare of our members horses while accurate information continues to develop. During this time, we will closely monitor guidance and official updates from State Veterinarians and USDA.

The situation will be fully reassessed prior to December 1, at which time an updated statement will be issued.

This decision is not made lightly. The well-being of our equine athletes remains our highest priority. We appreciate your cooperation, patience, and proactive commitment to safe competition.”

---

What is Equine Herpesvirus “EHV”?

Equine herpesvirus (EHV), sometimes called equine rhinopneumonitis, is a highly contagious family of viruses found in horses worldwide. Nine strains of EHV are recognized, but three pose the greatest disease risk in the U.S.:

• EHV-1 — respiratory disease, abortion/stillbirth, neonatal death, and the neurological form known as EHM
• EHV-3 — a venereal disease known as coital exanthema
• EHV-4 — respiratory disease in young horses, occasional abortion, rare neurological involvement

EHV does not infect humans.

---

Understanding EHV-1 and EHM

EHV-1 is the most concerning strain, capable of causing:

• Fever
• Respiratory illness
• Abortion in pregnant mares
• Neurological disease (EHM)

EHM (equine herpes myeloencephalopathy) is the neurological manifestation of EHV-1. It occurs when the virus affects blood vessels in the spinal cord and brain, leading to:

• Hind-end weakness
• Incoordination or stumbling
• Difficulty urinating
• Loss of tail tone
• Inability to stand (recumbency)

EHM can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention.

---

Common Symptoms of EHV-1/EHM

Because clinical signs range from mild to severe, horse owners should watch for:

• Fever (often the earliest sign)
• Nasal discharge
• Cough
• Depression or lethargy
• Weakness or incoordination
• Stumbling or ataxia
• Difficulty rising or inability to rise
• Difficulty urinating
• Loss of tail tone
• Abortion in pregnant mares

Some horses show no outward symptoms yet still shed the virus.

---

Monitoring Horses After Exposure

Veterinarians recommend twice-daily temperature checks for any horse that attended the Waco events or has been exposed to horses that did.

A rectal temperature of 101.5°F or higher should be considered significant — especially if accompanied by nasal discharge, coughing, or neurologic signs.

Any suspicious symptoms should prompt immediate veterinary consultation. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes.

---

How EHV-1 Spreads

EHV-1 spreads efficiently through:

1. Direct horse-to-horse contact

Nose-to-nose contact is the most common method of transmission.

2. Aerosolized droplets

Virus can spread through coughing or sneezing within close range.

3. Shared equipment (fomites)

Contaminated items such as:

• Buckets
• Feed tubs
• Grooming tools
• Tack
• Thermometers
• Trailers
• Stall walls

4. Human transmission

People can carry virus particles on:

• Hands
• Jackets
• Boots
• Gloves
• Lead ropes
• Keys, phones, etc.

5. Pregnant mares can pass it to their foals

Certain EHV-1 infections result in abortion or weak neonatal foals.

---

Latent Carriers: Why Outbreaks Are Challenging

EHV-1 can enter a latent state inside the horse’s body. Horses may carry the virus silently, without symptoms, and shed it again when stressed by:

• Travel
• Competition
• Weather swings
• Illness
• Training intensity

This makes biosecurity even more essential during high-traffic event seasons.

---

Official Guidance and Ongoing Monitoring

The WPRA and Elite Barrel Race have stated they are following all recommended guidance from the Texas Animal Health Commission. As of the most recent communication:

• No livestock had been on the event grounds for three weeks prior to the WPRA Finals arriving
• Both organizations are cooperating fully with the state investigation
• Additional updates will be released as TAHC completes its testing and tracing

The WPRA has also indicated further guidance will be provided regarding how this affects the San Antonio qualifier in Uvalde, Texas.

---

What Owners Should Do Now

• Monitor temperatures twice daily
• Isolate any horse showing fever or respiratory/neurologic symptoms
• Disinfect all shared equipment
• Avoid nose-to-nose contact between horses
• Contact your veterinarian immediately if symptoms appear
• Follow all TAHC and event-specific guidelines

For the latest official guidance from the Texas Animal Health Commission, visit:
https://www.tahc.texas.gov/animal_health/equine/

---

Industry Support

Our editorial teams will continue monitoring the situation and will update readers as official information becomes available. Our thoughts remain with the affected owners, competitors, and event organizers as they navigate this evolving situation.