11/21/2025
Hey, everyone!
Lots of information (and misinformation) about EHV-1 out there currently due to renewed concerns secondary to an outbreak originating at a barrel horse event in Texas.
For now, the only reported cases have been limited to TX, OK, LA, and CO.
The MAIN TAKEWAYS in this situation are:
1) Monitoring! Know your horse’s usual re**al temperature. Take temperatures twice daily starting at least 2 days before an event, while you are at the event, and for 5-7 days after returning home. If temperature is over 101.5 F call your veterinarian!
2) Vaccination! If your horse has had a Flu/Rhino vaccine in the last 6 months they are considered up to date. While vaccination does not prevent the development of the neurologic for of EHV-1 it will reduce shedding of the virus and clinical signs if the horse is exposed.
If it has been >6 months since vaccination (or if you’d like to take extra precautions >3 months) please reach out to the office to set up a booster.
3) Biosecurity! Incredibly important and mostly common sense - new horses should be kept _separate_ from the home herd for 21 days. This means: minimum of 30 feet apart, no shared equipment (including pitchforks/hoses), handle with gloves or handle last. This should also ideally apply to horses returning from shows or events to keep the horses at home safe!
If you have any specific questions or concerns, as always, please feel free to reach out!
The Equine Disease Communication Center’s website has the most accurate and up to date info regarding the outbreak so use that as your main source!
The Equine Disease Communication Center is monitoring an outbreak of EHM that originated at the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals and Elite Barrel Race event Nov 5-9. To date, officially confirmed cases have been reported in the following states:
