Middle Tennessee veterinarians are raising concerns after horses from the region attended events linked to a multi-state outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), a highly contagious virus causing respiratory illness, late-term abortions, and a severe neurological condition called Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM). The outbreak has been traced to the Women’s Professional rodeo Association World Finals and Elite Barrel Race in Waco, Texas, held in early November 2025. Since then, cases have been confirmed in seven states including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Washington, with no reported cases yet in Tennessee or neighboring states like Kentucky, Georgia, or Alabama. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture recommends quarantining horses exposed at the event for 21 days and increasing biosecurity measures to prevent spread.
Veterinarians emphasize vigilance due to the virus’s incubation period of 2 to 10 days, during which horses may be contagious without symptoms. Early signs include fever and respiratory issues, potentially progressing to neurological symptoms or abortion in pregnant mares. While EHV-1 does not infect humans, it can be spread indirectly via contaminated clothing or equipment. Horse owners are urged to isolate exposed animals, monitor temperatures twice daily, disinfect equipment, and avoid sharing water sources. Vaccines reduce some symptoms but do not prevent neurological disease, making strict biosecurity and event cancellations critical to controlling the outbreak and protecting the equine community.
