Over the past month or so, an equine health concern in Texas has been making headlines. A confirmed outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1, also known as EHV-1, was identified after a major barrel racing event in Waco. This dangerous and contagious virus has raised alarms throughout the equestrian community around the United States.

For land professionals, real estate agents, and rural property owners, especially those involved with equine facilities, this situation has real implications. Knowing the risks, transmission routes, symptoms, and effective security measures is important for protecting horses and preserving the value of equine-friendly properties.

What is EHV-1?

Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 is a highly contagious virus that affects horses. According to the Texas Animal Health Commission, EHV-1 can lead to respiratory illness, pregnancy loss in mares, newborn foal death, and a serious neurologic disease known as Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy.

State and federal veterinary officials are closely tracking cases around the country, especially in areas like Texas, which is being viewed as the epicenter of the outbreak, with a higher number of cases than other states.

Why the Current Outbreak is Concerning

The Texas Department of Agriculture issued a statewide alert after veterinarians confirmed an aggressive strain of EHV-1 in Central Texas. It has been linked to the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Finals held in Waco from November 5 to November 9, 2025. This event brought many horses from across the country, several of which have since tested positive, including cases showing neurologic symptoms. 

The Equine Disease Communication Center has since listed confirmed cases in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, New Mexico, Washington, Arizona, and South Dakota. Some event organizers have responded by canceling competitions, with many questioning the viability of larger events in the coming months if progress is not made to slow the spread of the virus.

How EHV-1 Spreads

Understanding how EHV-1 spreads is essential for property owners and equine facility managers. According to the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Texas Animal Health Commission, the virus can spread in several ways. Direct contact, such as horse-to-horse nose touching, is a primary route of transmission. EHV-1 can also spread through aerosolized particles when an infected horse coughs or sneezes, releasing virus particles that nearby horses may inhale. Contaminated surfaces and equipment, including shared tack, grooming tools, buckets, trailers, or other commonly used items, can carry the virus from one horse to another. 

People may unintentionally transfer the virus on their hands, boots, or clothing, further increasing the risk of spread. In addition, horses that have been infected previously may become latent carriers, showing no outward signs but still harboring the virus. Stressful events such as travel or competition can reactivate the virus, potentially triggering new cases.

Landowners with horses should take time to consider each of these transmission styles and make a plan to address them before infection takes hold.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

EHV-1 can present with a range of clinical signs that owners and caretakers should monitor closely. Common symptoms include fever, nasal discharge or coughing, lethargy, and reduced appetite. In more serious neurologic cases, horses may exhibit hind limb weakness, loss of tail tone, stumbling or incoordination, and, in advanced situations, may be unable to get up. 

Pregnant mares may experience pregnancy loss as a result of infection. Because fever can be an early indicator of disease, twice-daily temperature checks are strongly recommended for any exposed horse. Guidance from the Texas Department of Agriculture and the High Plains Journal emphasizes that early recognition and prompt veterinary involvement are critical.

Recommended Biosecurity and Response Measures

To reduce the spread of EHV-1 on properties with horses, experts recommend a combination of isolation, sanitation, monitoring, and coordination with state authorities. Horses that attended the events where an outbreak has been reported, or that were exposed to horses that attended, should be isolated for at least fourteen days or until they are cleared by a veterinarian. During this period, facility managers should increase cleaning and disinfection efforts. Tack rooms, cross ties, trailers, grooming supplies, buckets, stalls, and any shared equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with approved products known to be effective against EHV-1.

Close monitoring of all horses on the property is also essential. Temperatures should be checked twice daily, and readings above 102 degrees Fahrenheit should be further investigated immediately. Maintaining detailed records of horse movement and contact can help trace potential exposures and support effective containment. 

To reduce human-to-horse transfer, handlers should wear dedicated clothing and footwear when caring for isolated horses and consistently follow handwashing and sanitizing procedures. Finally, owners and managers should follow state guidance by monitoring updates from their state’s Animal Health Commission and the Equine Disease Communication Center.

For land brokers and rural property agents, awareness of this EHV-1 outbreak is essential. Beyond the threat to the equestrian population, EHV-1 can influence how prospective buyers evaluate properties with equine facilities, particularly if there is a perceived risk of ongoing or future outbreaks.

If you’ve got questions about EHV-1 in your area or how you can keep your horses safe, get in touch with your local Land Professional today!