1. EDCC Confirms 7 EHM Cases Linked to WPRA World Finals and Elite Barrel Race
EDCC Health Watch
TheHorse.com
November 20, 2025
The Equine Disease Communication Center is monitoring an outbreak of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) that originated at the Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals and Elite Barrel Race event in Waco, Texas, on Nov. 5-9.
So far, the EDCC has confirmed two EHM cases in McLennan County, Texas; two cases in Logan County, Oklahoma; and three cases in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. The three Louisiana horses are exhibiting neurologic signs and are being treated at the LSU Veterinary Hospital.
The Texas Animal Health Commission is directly contacting contestants who attended the WPRA World Finals and Elite Barrel Race regarding a 14-day hold on all horses that were present, as well as any horses located at the facility, barn, or home of the affected contestants. The hold started Nov. 18 and will be lifted on Dec. 2. Horses will not be able to travel until the hold has been lifted. They must be temperature checked twice daily for 14 days to be released from the hold.
New Mexico Livestock Board Statement Regarding Current EHV-1 Outbreak [edited]
NMLM
November 19, 2025
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry have confirmed equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM), the neurologic disease linked to equine herpes virus (EHV-1), in their respective states on November 18, 2025.
The horses in Texas attended the 2025 WPRA World Finals and Elite Barrel Race event in Waco, TX on November 5-9, 2025. The horses in Oklahoma attended the Barrel Futurities of America event in Guthrie, OK on November 17-18, 2025, before the remainder of the event was canceled. TAHC and ODAFF staff are working closely with event coordinators, equine owners, and other states to respond to the outbreak, and take measures to protect horses and prevent the further spread of the virus.
Unfortunately, these events were attended by horses from many states, including New Mexico. Owners of horses that may have been in contact with these horses or exposed to EHM should work with their veterinarian to establish appropriate biosecurity and monitoring plans such as:
o Isolating the horses that attended the event for at least two weeks.
o Having the temperature of returning horses monitored twice daily for at least 14 days after last known exposure. Fever greater than 101.5 F is often the first indicator of EHV-1.
If a fever (>102.5°F) or other signs consistent with EHM develop, contact your veterinarian.
New Mexico has tracebacks to the following counties:
Dona Ana
Eddy
Santa Fe
De Baca
Roosevelt
Otero
Chaves
Given the nature of this virus and routes of transmission, the New Mexico Livestock Board Office of the State Veterinarian recommends canceling or postponing equine events to protect horses from further exposure until the extent of the current outbreak has been determined.
Full text: https://www.nmlbonline.com/documents/EHV-1 %20Outbreak_111925_SH.pdf?ver=1763650918
Horse owners should take extra precautions against animal disease during event season [NV]
By Nevada Department of Agriculture
YubaNet.com
November 20, 2025
(CLARK COUNTY, Nev.) - With the upcoming equine event season, the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is updating entry requirements and reminding horse owners to practice preventive biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of animal disease, such as Equine Herpesvirus (EHV). While there are no confirmed cases of EHV in Nevada at this time, horse owners are encouraged to remain vigilant as cases increase in surrounding regions. The NDA reminds everyone to check on current entry requirements and comply with those when traveling to and from Nevada.
"Convergence of large numbers of horses at events can increase the risk of disease spread," said NDA State Veterinarian Peter Rolfe. "Horse owners should remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their animals during travel and increased animal interaction."
Nevada's entry requirements are being modified ahead of event season to reduce the risk of disease transmission. New requirements include:
Entry permits are required for horses until Jan. 1, 2026.
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection stating: "No animals presented on this CVI have been on a premise with a confirmed case of EHV-1 within the last 21 days."
USDA accredited veterinarians can visit agri.nv.gov/Animals/Animal_Disease/Import_Requirements to complete an Entry Permit for horses entering Nevada.
ISDA Recommends the Stop of All Equine Movement Due to Neurologic Equine Disease Outbreak [ID]
By Darlene Lambert
Big Country News
November 20, 2025
BOISE - The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is strongly recommending the cancellation of upcoming equine events in Idaho and a temporary stop to all equine movements following confirmed reports of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) linked to several recent equine competitive events in Texas and Oklahoma.
Idaho has no confirmed cases of EHV-1 at this time. Due to the highly contagious nature of the virus, the Idaho State Veterinarian urges horse owners, trainers and event organizers to take immediate biosecurity precautions and temporarily stop any transporting or hauling of equine to protect Idaho horses.
Full text: https://tinyurl.com/njdv52v5
Wyoming Fairgrounds Close Stalls Amid Equine Health Concerns [edited]
By Drew Kirby
K2Radio.com
November 20, 2025
The EHV outbreak has caused concern here in Wyoming, and the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds has sent a press release to update the community that the fairgrounds have temporarily closed their horse arena, stalls, and livestock pens until Monday, November 24, so all of the facilities can be adequately cleaned and sanitized.
The press release states that the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds hasn't been notified of any equine illness associated with the facilities. Still, they are taking precautions to protect the health and safety of the animals, staff, exhibitors, and the community.
Full text: https://k2radio.com/ixp/102/p/central-wyoming-fairgrounds-closure/
3. CWD cases detected at Tom Green County deer facility tied to major smuggling investigation [TX]
By Will LeHardy
CBSAustin.com
November 20, 2025
AUSTIN, Texas - Two positive cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) were confirmed at a deer breeding facility in Tom Green County linked to a recent investigation into coordinated deer breeding violations.
Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) says that the deer breeding facility was owned by 64-year-old Ken Schlaudt of San Antonio, and that the samples taken from white-tailed deer were confirmed by laboratories to be the first detections of CWD in the county.
TPWD says that the facility is linked to the Texas Game Wardens' recent "Ghost Deer" investigation in which investigators discovered widespread, coordinated deer breeding violations, including smuggling captive breeder deer and free-range deer between facilities.
4. HPAI continues to impact commercial poultry facilities in LaGrange County, 107,000 birds impacted by latest detections [IN];
HPAI hits North Carolina poultry for first time since January
HPAI continues to impact commercial poultry facilities in LaGrange County, 107,000 birds impacted by latest detections [IN]
By Erin Anderson
BrownfieldAgNews.com
November 20, 2025
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza continues to impact commercial poultry facilities in LaGrange County, Indiana.
The Indiana State Board of Animal Health says the latest cases have been confirmed on four commercial egg layer facilities, a commercial breeder duck developer operation, and a commercial meat duck facility. In total, more than 107,000 birds have been depopulated. A 6.2-mile control area and a more than 12-mile surveillance zone has been established around each affected site.
Indiana is a leading producer of poultry, eggs, and poultry products. It ranks first in duck production, third in eggs, third in commercial turkey production, and produces a significant number of broilers.
HPAI hits North Carolina poultry for first time since January
The latest situation involves a commercial turkey breeder hen flock.
By Roy Graber
WATTAtNet.com
November 20, 2025
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has returned to North Carolina, with the state's first case in a commercial poultry operation since January.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reported that the presence of HPAI was confirmed in a commercial turkey breeder hen flock in Wayne County on November 18. There were 9,600 turkeys in the flock.
5. Mississippi State breaks ground on major laminitis research center
By Caleb Salers
Supertalk.fm
November 13, 2025
A groundbreaking ceremony has launched construction on a Mississippi State University research center aimed at combating a specific disease that plagues horses.
The Nancy Fair Link Laminitis Research Center, located at Mississippi State's College of Veterinary Medicine, will bring equine experts to the university to combat the painful and debilitating hoof disease that can lead to euthanasia for affected horses. Link, a horse enthusiast, gifted an unspecified amount of money, which was coined an "exceptionally generous gift" by Mississippi State officials, to bring this research center to fruition.
Funds from Link will go toward both the construction of the center, with plans to make Mississippi State a national and international leader in the area of laminitis research. In addition to funding the construction, Link's gift will cover the cost of equipment for the center, faculty salaries, maintenance, and travel for professional research presentations.
Anticipated to open in fall 2027, the Nancy Fair Link Laminitis Research Center will be a 12,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility with a large multi-investigator laboratory and clinical research space, including farrier space, and equipped with PET and CT scanners. An adjacent 8,100-square-foot equine research barn will feature 24 stalls to house horses.
Full text: https://www.supertalk.fm/mississippi-state-breaks-ground-on-major-laminitis-research-center/