11/20/2025
For my friends with horses who are looking for more information on the EHV-1 outbreak based in Waco, TX, this is a great post from a Vet based in KY. Here in upstate NY our risk is minimal, based on recent travel/exposure.
My phone has been blowing up this morning regarding the swirling information about the EHV-1 (neurological form of Herpes Virus) outbreak! And I totally understand, but some info is true, and some is just hysteria. SO...here we go:
Most of this has stemmed from posts about a serious outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) associated with recent barrel racing events in Waco, Texas. Some affected horses have developed the neurologic form of the disease (EHM), and there have been deaths.
What this means for our area right now:
• At this time, there is no evidence of a similar, active EHV-1 outbreak in our local area.
• EHV-1 is an endemic virus – we see isolated cases somewhere in the U.S. almost every year, including Ohio and other states earlier in 2025. That is not new.
• The highest risk horses right now are those that:
– Attended the WPRA/Elite barrel racing events in Waco Nov 5–9, or
– Have had close contact (same trailer, barn, pen, or event) with horses that did.
If your horse fits that higher-risk group:
• Please contact your clinic immediately so we/they can put a monitoring and isolation plan in place.
• Check temperatures twice daily for 14 days after the last possible exposure and call if you see a fever (≥101.5°F), respiratory signs, or any stumbling/weakness.
• Do not haul these horses or mix them with new horses until we’ve discussed a plan.
If your horse has not had contact with that event pipeline:
• Your horse’s risk is similar to a normal show season – EHV-1 is always in the background, which is why we emphasize everyday biosecurity.
• Continue your regular vaccination schedule, avoid nose-to-nose contact with unknown horses, don’t share buckets or tack at shows, and stay home with any horse that has a fever or respiratory signs.
About the vaccine:
• The “flu/rhino” vaccines do help reduce respiratory disease and viral shedding, but no current vaccine can reliably prevent the neurologic form (EHM). Biosecurity and early detection are still our best tools.
We are actively monitoring official updates from state veterinarians and the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC). If the situation changes in our region, we will update you promptly with clear guidance.
I'll add comments with more data and what I've found so far, but this was the quick and dirty synopsis.
