11/20/2025
Media Contacts: TAHC Communications
public_info@tahc.texas.gov, 512.719.0750
For Immediate Release
November 19, 2025
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. Additional resources for equine owners can be found here:
Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy Fact Sheet
Equine Biosecurity Guide
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.
“Equine owners are encouraged to stay vigilant and monitor animals closely,” said Dr. Bud Dinges, TAHC 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.”
The equine industry is encouraged to obtain the latest information on equine disease events nationwide on the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) website. Subsequent Texas EHM cases will be posted on the EDCC.
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The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) was established in 1893 as the Livestock Sanitary Commission and charged with protecting the state’s domestic animals “from all contagious or infectious diseases of a malignant character.” TAHC remains true to this charge while evolving with the times to protect the health and marketability of all Texas livestock and poultry. Learn more about the TAHC visit www.tahc.texas.gov.
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