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

Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Nov 19, 2025

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The Texas Department of Agriculture is warning horse owners to take precautions with their herds after an outbreak of a deadly virus after an 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.

It’s unclear how many horses in Texas have died as a result of the viral outbreak.

“This pause is out of an abundance of caution following reports of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) cases that could affect the health of horses,” a Visit Fort Worth spokesperson said. “EHV-1 does not pose a health risk to humans or our longhorn steers. At this time, we have no cases of this virus reported within the Herd. This pause allows our veterinary partners to complete monitoring protocols and ensure the continued wellbeing of our animals.”

It wasn’t immediately clear Wednesday evening whether other Fort Worth events will be canceled, including rodeos at the Stockyards’ Cowtown Coliseum.

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said in a statement Wednesday that horses that returned from any equine gathering in the Waco area in the last 14 days should be monitored.

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,” Miller said in the press release. “Check your horses twice a day, isolate any exposed animals, tighten up your biosecurity and call your vet the moment something looks off.”

What is Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy?

It is a neurological disease in horses linked to the Equine Herpes Virus.

The disease can spread horse-to-horse through contact from nose to nose, short-distance aerosol transmission, contaminated hands, equipment, tack and feed.

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 the sale at the event was going to be the largest 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.”

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