11/19/2025
There is EHV1 going around, do not panic. Many horses are exposed during their life and develop immunity to it. That is why we do not test horses that are not clinical (can be a false positive). Dr. Ami is following the cases and recommendations diligently to help advise her patients on the best care. At the moment we recommend not traveling for unnecessary events to decrease exposure. Do NOT vaccinate any horses that might have been exposed to this virus over the past two weeks.
We will update on the situation as it arises.
If your horse may have been exposed- start taking re**al temperature twice a day and contact us if persistent temp over 102.5*F and/or nasal discharge, urine dribbling, hindquarter weakness, etc.
Please call us with any questions/concerns.
From the Texas Animal Health Commission:
Neurolgic Form of Equine Herpes Virus Confirmed Following Event in Waco
AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) received confirmation of equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM), the neurologic disease linked to equine herpes virus (EHV-1), in a Texas Quarter Horse on November 18, 2025.
The horse attended the 2025 WPRA World Finals and Elite Barrel Race event in Waco, Texas on November 5-9, 2025. TAHC staff are 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. Additional participants of this event have been notified by the TAHC and are currently being monitored under hold orders.
Owners of horses that may have been in contact with these horses or exposed to EHM should work with their veterinary practitioner to establish appropriate monitoring and diagnostic plans to take precautions.
Clean and disinfect tack, boots, equipment, and grooming supplies.
When you return to your premises, isolate the horses that attended the event for at least two weeks.
Have the temperature of returning horses monitored twice daily for at least 14 days after last known exposure. If a fever (>102.5°F) or other signs consistent with EHM develop, contact your veterinarian.
When doing feeding and chores, work with the returning horses last, wear boots and coveralls, and remove them before working with your other horses.
Don’t forget to wash your hands.
Submit laboratory samples for clinical horses to Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) or other American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) accredited laboratory.
Clinical signs of EHM in horses may include: fever of 102.5°F or greater (fever most often comes before neurologic signs), nasal discharge, lack of coordination, hindquarter weakness, leaning or resting against a fence or wall to maintain balance, lethargy, urine dribbling, head tilt, diminished tail tone, and pe**le paralysis.
It is important to remember these signs are not specific to EHM and diagnostic testing is required to confirm infection. If you suspect your horse has been exposed to EHV-1, contact your local veterinarian.
The extent of this EHV-1 outbreak is not yet fully known. Presentation of EHV-1 in these horses has been acute with rapid progression and high clinical severity. A concerning number of mortalities in horses suspected to have EHM have been reported. Investigation into the character and epidemiology of this disease event is ongoing but the need for rapid and proactive actions to curb the spread is clear. Measures to prevent contact of horses from exposure to the virus and increased biosecurity overall are recommended.
TAHC encourages event sponsors to take all necessary precautions to prevent further spread of this virus and protect equine health. Given the nature of this virus and routes of transmission, and out of an abundance of caution, TAHC recommends canceling or postponing equine events as the best method to protect horses from further exposure until such time as the extent of the current outbreak has been determined.
