11/20/2025
Two positive cases of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), the neurologic form of EHV-1, have led to the cancellation of the remaining Barrel Futurities of America (BFA) World Championship events scheduled for Nov. 17–22 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, OK. Both affected horses had previously competed at the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) event in Waco, Texas (Nov. 5–9) before traveling to Oklahoma.
Below is what you need to know ⬇️
❓ What is EHV/EHM?
Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a common virus in horses.
EHM, its neurologic form, is rare but serious and potentially life-threatening. Horses may shed the virus for 2–10 days before showing signs.
📍Why was the event canceled?
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry confirmed two EHM cases in horses that attended both the WPRA event and traveled to Oklahoma. Officials are concerned other horses may have moved between the WPRA and the BFA events, increasing exposure risk.
🦠 How Does EHV-1 Spread?
EHV-1 can spread through nose-to-nose contact or inhalation of respiratory droplets, via contaminated surfaces (stalls, water/feed buckets, tack, trailers), or humans can also spread the virus through contaminated hands, clothing, and equipment.
🛡️ Recommended Actions for Horse Owners
If your horse attended the event, you should isolate your horse for 14 days after returning home. Take and record twice-daily temperatures (monitor for 101.5°F or higher) and consider increasing biosecurity and disinfection measures on your farm.
You should contact your veterinarian if your horse may have been exposed or shows any concerning signs.
For detailed information on signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of EHM, visit: https://equinediseasecc.org/equine-herpesvirus
If you have questions beyond what we've shared in this post, please give our office a call at (614) 292-6661.
