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Equine Herpes Outbreak Linked to Texas Events Grows Across States as Texas Confirms 17 Cases and 2 Deaths

Officials trace exposures to Waco rodeo events, impose quarantines, require temperature monitoring, and tighten event protocols to curb spread.

Overview

  • The Equine Disease Communication Center reports at least 29 neurological EHM cases across seven states connected to early November competitions in Waco.
  • Texas authorities confirm 17 laboratory‑verified EHV‑1 cases across eight counties with two horse deaths, while additional suspected fatalities remain unconfirmed.
  • Cases have been documented outside Texas, including four in Oklahoma; three each in Louisiana, New Mexico, and Arizona; two in Washington; and one each in South Dakota and Colorado.
  • Colorado has one confirmed EHV‑1 case that developed neurological signs after testing positive on Nov. 20, with roughly 30–40 potentially exposed horses under quarantine.
  • Event and venue responses include canceling the Billings, Montana, horse auction, postponing PRCA/WPRA breakaway and related Las Vegas events, pausing Fort Worth cattle drives, and enforcing temperature checks and isolation protocols at major competitions.