11/21/2025
Update on Virus EHV-1 Outbreak
OK Dept. of Agriculture confirms two cases of a highly contagious virus affecting horses
GUTHRIE, OKLA (KOKH) —
UPDATE:
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) is requiring a statement to be listed on all equine CVIs for interstate movement into Oklahoma through Jan. 1, 2026, amid an increase in Equine Herpesvirus cases.
The statement is:
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The equine listed on this CVI have not originated from a premises currently quarantined for EHV-1, have not been exposed to EHV-1, and have not attended an event where EHV-1 has been confirmed
ODAFF said at this time it is not implementing any requirements for intrastate movement for horses. Any questions about the new requirements can be directed to the Oklahoma State Veterinarian at 405-522-6141.
ORIGINAL:
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry has confirmed two cases of a highly contagious virus affecting horses, as of 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
The Lazy E Arena in Guthrie canceled its big barrel racing event overnight, and owners were advised to leave. Riders were competing in the Barrel Futurities of America (BFA). The show started on Monday.
Officials with Lazy E Arena said one horse that tested positive for Equine Herpesvirus was stalled on the grounds and was taken to Oklahoma State University Veterinary on Tuesday, where it tested positive.
BFA sent out a statement around 10 p.m. Tuesday saying that it received an update from the Oklahoma State Veterinarian of a confirmed positive case and decided to cancel the remainder of the show.
Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1), which may also be called Rhinopneumonitis, can affect the respiratory system and result in "snotty noses", according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
However, depending on the strain, the virus can also cause abortions in broodmares and Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), which is an often deadly neurological disease.
Officials say the original exposure to the virus traces back to a show last week in Waco, Texas, between Nov. 5 and Nov. 9. Some of those horses that may have been exposed came to the Lazy E for this week's show.
Officials are linking the exposure to the Women's Professional Rodeo Association's World Finals.
EHV-1 can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, weakness or incoordination, changes in tail tone, difficulty urinating, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Veterinarians say horse owners should check temperatures daily and call the Department of Agriculture if a horse spikes a fever above 101.5 degrees, or if they believe a horse may have been exposed.
Equine Herpes Myleoencephalopathy, the neurologic form of EHV-1, can spread through horse contact, shared buckets and tack, contaminated trailers, airborne droplets from horses coughing or snorting, and from people who handled exposed horses.
Horses that were exposed should be isolated at least 30 feet, as far as possible from other horses, and should not be moved away from home until they have completed 14 days with no symptoms.
Unexposed horses can still travel to events.
The NRHA has released the following information regarding the upcoming event, the 2025 NRHA Futurity & Adequan North American Affiliate Championships.
Click here to view the PDF file
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