On November 18, 2025, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry confirmed cases of equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in their states. EHM is a neurological disease caused by equine herpes virus (EHV-1). The cases are linked to two equine events: the 2025 WPRA World Finals and Elite Barrel Race in Waco, Texas, held from November 5 to 9, and the Barrel Futurities of America event in Guthrie, Oklahoma, which began on November 17 but was canceled after the outbreak was detected.
Horses from several states, including New Mexico, attended these events. This has raised concerns about the virus spreading to other states. TAHC and ODAFF are working with event organizers, horse owners, and other agencies to control the outbreak and apply biosecurity measures.
Owners of horses that attended these events are advised to isolate their animals for at least two weeks. They should check their horses’ temperatures twice a day for 14 days. A fever above 101.5°F may be an early sign of EHV-1. Horses with a fever above 102.5°F or with neurological symptoms should be seen by a veterinarian…