EHV1 Outbreak Alert In Central Texas! Contagious Horse Virus Confirmed After Waco Barrel Race

Horse owners in Texas need to be on alert!

A Horse Virus Outbreak Follows a Waco Event

According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, the horse virus outbreak has been traced back to the World Finals and Elite Barrel Race event for the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association at Waco’s Extraco Events Center November 5th through the 9th.The Texas Animal Health Commission says they are now aware of two cases.

Equine Herpes Virus

Equine Herpes Virus or EHV-1, is extremely contagious and affects many different organs. The virus can attack a horse’s respiratory, reproductive, and nervous system.Dr. Jeremy Echols of the Vaquero Equine hospital told KWTX that the virus presents kind of like a cold virus, but the danger comes when it moves further into the respiratory system causing pneumonitis. Horses attending the event or that have come into contact with horses at the event need to be quarantined for 14 days.

The Texas Department of Agriculture Issues an Alert

Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says he is urging all horse owners, trainers, and venue operators who attended or were in proximity to the event, or who have recently returned from any large equine gathering in the Waco region in the last 14 days, to monitor their animals. Miller said it is important to monitor your horses because the early symptoms are subtle and easy to miss.

Horse Owners Who Need to take Precautions

The Texas Department of Agriculture releases a list of those who need to monitor their horses following the EHV-1 outbreak:

Owners who had a horse at the WPRA event in Waco or transported a horse to or from the event.

Owners with a horse that has come into contact with a horse that was at the Waco event.

Horse owners and facility operators who have recently attended large multi–barn gatherings, roping jackpots, or traveled to the Waco region.

Common Symptoms of EHV-1

Fever.

Nasal discharge, coughing, or other respiratory changes.

Depression or lethargy.

Neurological problems similar to drunken behavior such as stumbling or incoordination, loss of tail tone, hind-limb weakness, head tilt

Abortions in pregnant mares.

How is EHV-1 Transmitted?

According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, “Horses can transmit the virus directly through simple nose-to-nose contact, and infected animals may also release contagious aerosolized particles when they cough or sneeze. Indirect transmission is equally dangerous, as shared tack, grooming tools, water and feed buckets, thermometers, and other equipment can all carry the virus from one horse to another.” Humans can also carry the virus via hands, clothing or boots.

Steps to Prevent the Spread of EHV-1

Isolate any horse that attended the Waco event for at least 14 days

Do not take exposed horses to other events

Disinfect trailers and equipment with an appropriate virucidal disinfectant.

Do not share any item associated with your horse

Monitor temperatures twice daily for all exposed horses and report any fever (≥101.5 °F) or other signs to a veterinarian immediately.

If any horse exhibits neurological issues, coughing, or nasal discharge, isolate it immediately, wear protective gear, and call your veterinarian.