An Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 outbreak linked to a Waco barrel-racing event has disrupted Texas’s equine industry, prompting arena closures, rodeo cancellations, and warnings from state officials as the virus spreads into neighboring states.
The equine industry in Texas is experiencing a significant slowdown as state and local officials take action in response to an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1, which has been linked to a prominent barrel-racing event held in Waco earlier this month.
Officials from the state agriculture department have verified that several veterinarians have connected the outbreak to the World Championship Barrel Racing Finals, which took place from November 5 to 9 at the Extraco Events Center. Multiple states have recently identified EHV-1, leading to various closures and cancellations throughout Texas as the rodeo season approaches.
Galveston County's Parks Department has announced the closure of the covered arena at Jack Brooks Park in Hitchcock, which hosts the county fair and rodeo, until December 2. During the weekend, it was reported that Fort Worth’s Stockyards Championship Rodeo decided to cancel all equine events, opting instead to focus solely on bull riding, as stated by WFAA-TV.
EHV-1 is not a threat to human health; however, individuals may inadvertently transport the virus from one animal to another. Health officials are advising handlers to wear protective clothing and to ensure proper handwashing when interacting with multiple horses. The virus transmits via direct contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated surfaces.
The impact of the disease on horses can be pretty severe. EHV-1 is linked to equine herpes myoencephalopathy, a severe neurological condition that can cause respiratory issues, miscarriages, and fetal loss in pregnant mares. Typical signs consist of elevated fevers exceeding 102 degrees, fatigue, nasal discharge, and weakness in the hindquarters.
Health authorities advise a 21-day isolation period for infected horses, and vaccines are available. “I’m urging everyone to keep your horses at home,” Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller stated to WFAA. “It’s advised to remain in the stable for a minimum of two weeks.”
Miller cautioned that the virus “can spread fast; it can be deadly,” noting that early symptoms are “so subtle they’re easy to miss.” He emphasized the importance of monitoring: “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 outbreak has significantly impacted key events. The Barrel Futurities of America World Championships in Guthrie, Okla., faced an abrupt cancellation last week after a confirmed case emerged midway through the event.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which relies on WCBR events for qualification, is closely monitoring the developments. A representative informed Chron that authorities anticipate it will require 30 to 60 days before “clearer guidance is available.” Meanwhile, all planned equine events are proceeding. Trail rides kick off on February 27, the downtown parade on February 28, and the inaugural night of competition on March 2.
A free online seminar regarding the outbreak will be hosted by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the Equine Disease Communication Center at 7 p.m. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced that State Veterinarian Lewis R. Dinges spearheaded a significant initiative on Tuesday, with participation capped at the initial 1,000 individuals.
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