More equine herpes virus cases confirmed in Texas outbreak linked to Waco event
Texas veterinarians are tracking an expanding cluster of Equine Herpesvirus-1 cases following an initial exposure in Waco. The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has confirmed four Texas cases to date. The outbreak has been traced to a horse that competed at the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Finals and Elite Barrel Race at the Extraco Events Center from November 5–9.
According to the Equine Disease Communication Center, two cases in Oklahoma and three in Louisiana have also been linked to the same exposure. TAHC investigators are continuing tracings to identify additional at-risk horses and potential spread.
Event organizers reported the sale of 642 stalls during the competition weekend. They noted that facilities had been cleaned prior to the event and are undergoing full decontamination before future use.
Out of caution, several equine events in Texas and Oklahoma have been cancelled, though large national gatherings, including the National Finals Rodeo, remain scheduled.
At Texas A&M’s Large Animal Teaching Hospital, clinicians have strengthened biosecurity protocols. Dr. Dusty Nagy reports that all horses presenting to the equine hospital now receive temperature screening prior to admission. Any horse with a fever is routed directly to isolation.
Dr. Nagy is urging owners to implement strict quarantine and halt all nonessential movement to prevent further spread. “Stopping movement is the most effective way to limit transmission,” she said, acknowledging that this is a challenging recommendation during a peak season for equine athletes.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has issued an alert to horse owners, trainers, and venue operators who attended or were near the Waco event or recently returned from large equine gatherings in the region. He emphasized the need for vigilant monitoring and rapid response, noting that early clinical signs of EHV-1 can be subtle.
