11/19/2025
🛑🛑🛑 An aggressive strain of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) — including neurological cases classified as equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — has been confirmed by multiple equine veterinary clinics in Texas. Several cases have been traced to horses attending major events in early November, including the WPRA World Finals and Elite Barrel Race held Nov. 5–9, 2025, in Waco.
The most common mode of transmission is nose-to-nose contact, where infected horses shed the virus in nasal secretions.
Stay safe out there and pray that this is contained very quickly!
***UPDATE***
As of 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, there are multiple confirmed cases of Equine Herpes Myleoencephalopathy, the neurologic form of EHV-1 and exposure risks in horses that attended the WPRA Finals in Waco, Texas between Nov. 5 and Nov. 9. We have confirmed two cases of EHM in horses that attended the Barrel Futurities of America World Championship at Lazy E Arena this week.
The BAF World Championship has been cancelled and horses who were at either event should be taken home, isolated, and quarantined for the next 14 days.
EHM spreads through horse contact, shared buckets and/or tack, contaminated trailers, airborne droplets from horses coughing or snorting and from people who handle exposed horses. Exposed horses that were at either of the events should be isolated at least 30 feet, but as far as possible, from other horses. Efforts to prevent air movement from exposed horses to unexposed horses should be made. Exposed horses are not allowed to move off the home premises until they have completed 14 days with no symptoms. Unexposed horses may travel to events, although it is recommended, they do not leave the premises unless truly necessary.
Owners should watch for:
Fever over 101.5
Nasal Discharge
Lethargy
Hind end weakness
Any neurological issues
If you notice any of the symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately. Cases that show neurological issues are considered a medical emergency.
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ANIMAL HEALTH ALERT
The Oklahoma State Veterinarian has been made aware of a possible Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy exposure at the WPRA event in Waco, Texas Nov. 5 through Nov. 9.
We are working closely with Lazy E Arena, as some of the horses from the WPRA event could be in Guthrie this week for the Barrel Futurities of America World Championship.
If you are from Oklahoma and were at the WPRA event – it is recommended you go home and quarantine your horse. If EHM is confirmed, horses who were in the Waco event will be required to quarantine at home.
Owners should monitor the temperature of their horse for spikes of 101.5 or above and increase biosecurity measures.
For questions about quarantine or EHM exposure, call the Oklahoma State Veterinarian's office at 405.522.6141.
Updates will be provided as they become available.
