An Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) outbreak has been identified following a rodeo event in Waco, Texas, raising concerns among horse owners, particularly in southern states like Oklahoma. Dr. Jason Thorne, a veterinarian from Weatherford, Oklahoma, explains that the virus, primarily EHV Type I in this case, causes respiratory illness in horses and spreads rapidly. Key symptoms include coughing and fever, and owners are urged to monitor their horses closely, take temperatures regularly, and contact veterinarians immediately if signs of illness appear.

In response to the outbreak, many organizations are canceling events, halting horse transportation, and enforcing quarantine measures to prevent further spread. Vaccination remains a critical preventive tool, and horse owners are advised to remain vigilant, report any illness promptly, and consider their recent horse-related activities to help control the virus’s transmission.