11/20/2025
🚨 Important Equine Health Update: EHV-1 Outbreak 🚨
(Please read and share with fellow horse owners)
Many of you may have already heard about the ongoing EHV-1 outbreak affecting horses in Texas and Oklahoma. Because the initial (index) case was identified following the World Championship Barrel Racing Finals in Waco, TX, a significant number of exposed horses traveled home to multiple states or continued on to additional events before the outbreak was recognized. Unfortunately, this has created the potential for wide, multi-state exposure.
EHV-1 has an incubation period of up to 14–21 days, meaning exposed horses may not show signs right away.
With this in mind, some states have already implemented additional import requirements or temporarily suspended 6-month travel passports. If you have any upcoming travel plans with your horse, please check the latest requirements for your destination state before you haul.
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📢 CDFA Announcement – Released Today
The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) has issued an official update regarding the outbreak:
CDFA has been notified of confirmed cases of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) and Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in horses that attended or were associated with recent barrel racing and rodeo-type events in Texas and Oklahoma. Numerous additional cases—including neurologic cases and equine fatalities—are suspected and remain under investigation in those states.
🔹 At this time, CDFA has not identified any confirmed EHV-1/EHM cases in California linked to these events.
🔹 CDFA is actively coordinating with veterinarians and state officials in Texas and Oklahoma to obtain trace information.
🔹 If California receives any trace contacts, CDFA will notify affected owners directly and issue quarantine orders as needed to help contain any potential spread.
CDFA emphasizes that this outbreak is a reminder of the disease risks associated with large multi-state equine events and the importance of strict biosecurity and adherence to movement requirements.
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🩺 Recommendations for Horse Owners (per CDFA)
If your horse traveled to Texas, Oklahoma, or any events where exposure may have occurred, contact your veterinarian or CDFA Animal Health Branch for guidance.
CDFA recommends:
➡️ 21-day isolation after the last possible exposure
• No shared equipment, tack, or personnel
• Restricted access to other horses
• Use of protective barrier protocols
➡️ Monitor twice daily for:
• Fever over 101.5°F
• Nasal discharge or coughing
• Any neurologic signs (wobbliness, difficulty standing, urine dribbling, lethargy)
If any clinical signs appear, contact your veterinarian immediately.
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📅 Upcoming Equine Events
EHV-1 can be shed even by horses that appear healthy, increasing the risk of spread during an outbreak.
Event organizers are urged to:
• Work closely with their show veterinarian
• Consider postponing or cancelling events depending on risk
• If events proceed, require health certificates within 72 hours
• Significantly increase onsite biosecurity measures
Additional requirements may be implemented based on the evolving situation.
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🚚 Interstate Travel & Movement Restrictions
Several states are tightening entry requirements.
Always check with the destination state before hauling.
This includes health certificate timing, vaccination expectations, and potential restrictions during this outbreak.
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📘 About EHV-1
EHV-1 spreads through:
• Direct nose-to-nose contact
• Aerosolized respiratory droplets
• Contaminated surfaces (stalls, buckets, trailers, tack)
• Human hands or clothing carrying viral particles
Horses may shed the virus even without showing symptoms.
🧼 Strong biosecurity measures are critical, including thorough disinfection of equipment and strict hygiene when handling multiple horses.
For guidance, CDFA’s Animal Health Branch can be reached anytime through local offices or via the CDFA website.
