Deadly horse virus threatens North Texas after Waco outbreak south of Fort Worth

The Texas Department of Agriculture is warning horse owners to take precautions with their herds after a deadly virus was detected at a rodeo event in Waco last week.

At least 18 equestrian events in North Texas and beyond have been canceled to control the spread of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1, including at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Visit Fort Worth, which manages the Stockyards’ herd of cattle, said the twice-daily cattle drives on East Exchange Avenue for tourists will “pause” starting Thursday until Nov. 28.

“This virus can spread fast, it can be deadly, and the earliest signs are often so subtle they’re easy to miss,” Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said in a statement. “That’s why monitoring your horses right now is critical. The quicker we identify a potential case, the better chance we have to protect not only our animals, but the entire Texas equine community.”

The virus was discovered during the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association world finals and barrel racing in Waco from Nov. 5 to Nov. 9. Any horses that were at the event or might have been exposed to the virus need to quarantine and remain under observation for 14 days.

The Equine Disease Communication Center, the national governing body for equestrian sports in the U.S., posted Wednesday that Texas has confirmed two positive cases for the virus, though the “extent of this outbreak is not yet fully known.” Horses can shed the virus over a two- to 10-day incubation period before developing symptoms.

“Owners that have horses that may have been exposed to horses at the WPRA in Waco, Texas should contact their veterinarian,” the center wrote.

It was unclear whether any horses have died as a result of the viral outbreak. The EHV-1 virus does not post a risk to humans or cattle.

A representative for Cowtown Coliseum in the Stockyards said late Wednesday that a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo on Friday, Nov. 21, will go on as planned ... minus the horses.

“We are simply pivoting to an ALL-BULL-RIDING lineup,” the spokesman said. “Rodeos over the next few weeks will also be turning to Bull Riding to supplement our events. As our fans deserve the best, we turned to our partners at the PBR, who cowboyed up and are bringing the PBR Touring Pro events to our building to aid us in giving our fans a fantastic experience.”

According to the Texas Animal Health Commission, EHV-1 can cause respiratory disease, abortion and neonatal death. The neurological disease causes damage to blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord.

“I’m asking every local horse rider, roper, trainer, and breeder to do their part today,” said Miller, the agriculture commissioner. “Check your horses twice a day, isolate any exposed animals, tighten up your biosecurity and call your vet the moment something looks off. If we work together and take this seriously, we can get ahead of this outbreak and keep our horses and our state’s $12.3 billion equine industry safe.”

Officials are still trying to determine how many horses are infected in this outbreak.

A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Agriculture told the Star-Telegram on Wednesday night that the department didn’t have a count of how many horses from North Texas attended the event in Waco at this time.

“The (Texas Agriculture Health Commission) continues working closely with event coordinators, equine owners, and veterinarians to respond to the outbreak, take measures to protect equine, and prevent the further spread of the virus,” said a spokesperson.

What Is Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy?

EHM is a neurologic syndrome caused from the EHV-1 virus.

While EHV-1 is common in horses, the neurologic form of the disease is rare, according to the Equine Disease Communication Center.

“Horses can contract the virus by encountering contaminated surfaces such as stalls, water, feed, tack, and transport vehicles. Humans can spread the virus from horse to horse through contaminated hands, clothing, and equipment. Proper biosecurity measures include extensive disinfection of surfaces and equipment,” the center said.

Experts recommend that people who come in contact with horses wash their hands thoroughly with soap and hot water between each contact from one horse to another.

The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association said a 14-day quarantine is on all horses that were at the WPRA’s World Finals and Elite Barrel Race in Waco on Nov. 5-9. Those horses will not be able to travel until Dec. 2.

State agriculture officials recommend canceling or postponing horse events to reduce exposure until more information about the outbreak is available.

The Barrel Futurities of America canceled the remainder of the 40th BFA World Championship yesterday after reports of the outbreak.

“We just received an update from the Oklahoma State Vet,” organizers said in a social media post. “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.”

The BFA was going to pay out over $1.5 million during the championship, which was scheduled from Nov. 17 to 22 and organizers said in a social media post the sale at the event was going to be the largest sale in its history.

Other shows, like the North Texas Hunter Jumper Club Year End Show, have been rescheduled out of caution due to the outbreak.

What are the symptoms

• A fever of 102 degrees or more that comes before the neurological signs
• Nasal discharge
• Lack of coordination
• Hindquarter weakness
• Leaning or resting against a fence or wall to maintain balance
• Lethargy
• Penile Paralysis
• Urine dribbling
• Head tilt
• Diminished tail tone

“Equine owners are encouraged to stay vigilant and monitor animals closely”, said Bud Dinges, the Texas Agriculture Health Commission executive director and state veterinarian. “Based on Current evaluations and the evolving situation, we highly recommend equine owners take this virus seriously and weigh potential risks when commingling equine.”

This story was originally published November 19, 2025 at 5:56 PM.