NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — Horse owners across the southwest are on alert after an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1). The virus first appeared following events in Texas and Arizona, and some horses have already died.
Veterinarians say it spreads quickly through contact, shared equipment, trailers, and even human clothing. Exposed horses should be isolated for at least two weeks, and ranches and events are tightening biosecurity. Events, including a Scottsdale roping, have been postponed to protect animals.
Authorities urge owners to stay home, limit travel, and monitor their horses closely to stop the spread.
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller issued an alert earlier this week to Texas horsemen.
“This virus can spread fast, it can be deadly, and the earliest signs are often so subtle they’re easy to miss. 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.”
“USDA can no longer keep wasting its time and personnel to deploy Commissioner Miller’s infamous traps, which USDA has deployed, tested, and has proven ineffective.”
October 14, 2025 01:19 PM
·
“Good flies? Is that like a good fire ant?” Miller said. “I don’t know what a good fly is. I don’t know if they’re afraid to kill house flies or stable flies, but I’m ready to kill the screwworm fly.”
October 13, 2025 01:28 PM
·
Large animal veterinarian Dr. Rosalyn Biggs with Oklahoma State University warns producers may not be prepared for the real threat of New World Screwworm.
October 09, 2025 01:10 PM
·
Bright Star Ranch continues to offer hope, connection, and healing through its equine therapy programs.
October 08, 2025 02:32 PM
·
Mexico’s tougher, two-step treatment and added checkpoints are catching cases before they can spread—good news for producers near the border.
October 07, 2025 10:55 AM
·
Approximately 42,000 birds were affected in the outbreak, officials said.
October 03, 2025 10:50 AM
·
AFBF Economist Bearnt Nelson joins us with insights into current turkey flock sizes, HPAI concerns, and production impacts on holiday demand.
October 02, 2025 01:25 PM
·
The U.S. pork industry is staying vigilant in keeping its supply safe from foreign animal diseases like African Swine Fever.
October 01, 2025 01:09 PM
·
October 01, 2025 10:02 AM
·
