11/19/2025
📢 Addressing the EHV Outbreak — What Horse Owners Need to Know
💬 We know many of you are worried. With EHV-1 and EHV-4 exposures linked to several recent events, our goal is to provide clear, veterinarian-supported guidance.
Two confirmed cases of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) have prompted the cancellation of the remaining Barrel Futurities of America (BFA) World Championship, originally scheduled for Nov. 17–22 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, OK. The affected horses had recently traveled from the WPRA World Finals and Elite Barrel Race in Waco, TX.
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture is urging any horse that attended either event to be isolated for 14 days, with twice-daily temperature checks (watching for 101.5°F+).
The Texas Animal Health Commission reports that the full extent of the outbreak is still unknown, and investigations are ongoing.
EHM is a serious neurologic form of EHV-1 that spreads through nasal discharge, aerosols, shared equipment, and even on human hands and clothing. Horses can shed the virus 2–10 days before showing signs.
📍 Arizona Update:
We currently have no confirmed EHV/EHM cases in Arizona. Online comments about “four cases in Maricopa County” appear to reference 2019 cases, not current infections.
⚠️ What to Watch For
Early signs:
• Fever (101.5°F+)
• Nasal discharge
• Cough
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy
Neurologic signs:
• Hind-end weakness
• Incoordination/stumbling
• Reduced tail tone
• Trouble urinating
• Difficulty standing or rising
Incubation period: 2–10 days, with viral shedding possible before symptoms appear.
📝 What Horse Owners Should Do Right Now:
1️⃣ Monitor temperatures twice daily
The most reliable early indicator of infection.
2️⃣ Quarantine returning/exposed horses
• Standard: 14 days
• Some vets recommend 21 days
• Avoid hauling or mixing horses during this time
3️⃣ Do NOT share equipment
Buckets, hoses, grooming supplies, muck forks, thermometers, tack, etc.
4️⃣ Clean, then disinfect
Stalls, buckets, gates, trailers, and all high-touch surfaces.
5️⃣ Reduce cross-contact
Wash hands or change gloves between horses.
6️⃣ Delay non-essential vet visits for exposed horses
This protects other equine patients.
7️⃣ Vaccination Guidance
• Do NOT vaccinate exposed or symptomatic horses
• Healthy, unexposed horses may receive boosters per your veterinarian
We will update as needed as this outbreak progresses!
For more information on EHM signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, visit:
➡️ equinediseasecc.org/equine-herpesvirus
