Neurological form of Equine Herpesvirus (EHM) confirmed in Texas and Oklahoma

There are currently no suspected or confirmed EHM cases in Minnesota at this time and the following bulletin is for horse owner awareness.

The neurologic form of equine herpesvirus was confirmed in two Quarter Horses at the 2025 WPRA World Finals and Elite Barrel Race event in Waco, Texas Nov. 5 - 9, 2025.

Two additional horses who attended the Waco event and then traveled to the BFA World Championship 2025 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma were also confirmed with EHM.

The Texas Animal Health Commission reported the disease had a rapid progression, high clinical severity, and a concerning number of mortalities among suspected EHM cases.

Who should take action?

• Contact the Board of Animal Health immediately if your horses have any known links to either of these events where EHM exposure has been reported:
  • WPRA World Finals and Elite Barrel Race event in Waco, Texas Nov 5-9.
  • BFA World Championship 2025 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma Nov. 17-22.
• Horses that recently commingled at multi-state shows, jackpots, clinics, or layover facilities with potential links to Waco or Guthrie should be separated and monitored for signs of illness.
• Facilities and transporters who received post-event horses or mixed loads with event attendees should notify horse owners.

What should Minnesota horse owners do who weren't at the events?

• Avoid contact with any horses connected to the EHM exposure events.
• Consider postponing or canceling upcoming equine events.
• Isolate potentially exposed horses and call your veterinarian. Separate any suspect exposures and work with your veterinarian to monitor for signs of illness and report to the Board of Animal Health.
• Strict biosecurity: clean and disinfect tack, boots, equipment, grooming supplies. Equipment should not be shared amongst horses. Care for sick horses last.
• If clinical signs develop, including a fever greater than 102.5°F, nasal discharge, incoordination, hindquarter weakness, lethargy, urine dribbling or other symptoms of equine herpesvirus, contact your veterinarian immediately.

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