On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) issued an alert to Texas horsemen of an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) reported by Texas veterinarians after the recent World Championship Barrel Racing (WPRA) Finals in the Waco area on November 5-9.
Commissioner Miller is urging all horse owners, trainers, and venue operators who attended or were in proximity to the event, or who have recently returned from any large equine gathering in the Waco region in the last 14 days to act swiftly, monitor their animals carefully, and implement heightened biosecurity measures.
“This virus can spread fast, it can be deadly, and the earliest signs are often so subtle they’re easy to miss,” Commissioner Miller, himself an avid horseman, said. “That’s why monitoring your horses right now is critical. The quicker we identify a potential case, the better chance we have to protect not only our animals, but the entire Texas equine community.”
A particularly aggressive strain of EHV-1 has been confirmed by veterinary clinics in Central Texas. While investigations are ongoing, the TDA believes the situation warrants immediate attention, given the rapid spread and severe outcomes in affected horses. Those who should act immediately are those who:
–Have a horse that was present at the WPRA event in the Waco area or transported one to/from that event.
–Have a horse that has mingled with those transported from that event.
–Any horse owner or facility operator who has recently participated in large multi–barn gatherings, roping jackpots, or traveled extensively enough to include the Waco region.
“I’m asking every local horse rider, roper, trainer, and breeder to do their part today,” Commissioner Miller added. “Check your horses twice a day, isolate any exposed animals, tighten up your biosecurity, and call your vet the moment something looks off.
If we work together and take this seriously, we can get ahead of this outbreak and keep our horses and our state’s $12.3 billion equine industry safe.”
The equine industry is encouraged to obtain the latest information on equine disease events nationwide on the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) website. Subsequent Texas EHM cases will be posted on the EDCC.
For questions regarding suspected cases or animal health, please contact the Texas Animal Health Commission call: 512-719-0700
