Equine Herpes Cases Confirmed in Texas and Oklahoma; No Missouri Cases Reported

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Multiple cases of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), the neurologic form of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1), have been confirmed in Texas and Oklahoma following recent equine events.

There are currently no confirmed cases in Missouri. The first cases were identified in horses that attended an event in Waco, Texas, from November 5–9. Two additional cases were reported in horses that participated in a barrel racing event earlier this week in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

Horse owners with animals that attended either event are urged to work with their veterinarian and quarantine exposed horses for at least 14 days. Missouri’s State Veterinarian advises owners and trainers to monitor exposed horses for at least 14 days after the last possible exposure, check temperatures twice daily, and keep them isolated from other horses to prevent potential spread. EHV-1 is highly contagious and can spread quickly through direct nose-to-nose contact or through particles released when infected animals cough or sneeze. It may also spread indirectly through shared equipment, feed, water buckets, or trailer travel.

Horse owners are encouraged to increase biosecurity measures and watch for signs including fever, nasal discharge, cough, stumbling, hind-end weakness, or other neurological issues. Horses showing neurological symptoms should be treated as medical emergencies. There is no risk to humans from EHV-1 or EHM.

Additional information about Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 is available through the USDA’s equine herpesvirus resources.