MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Kansas Agriculture Officials Issue Animal Health Alert After EHM Cases Reported in Texas, Oklahoma
The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health is urging horse owners to take immediate precautions following confirmed cases of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in Texas and Oklahoma. The cases are linked to two major equine events: the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Finals in Waco, Texas, and the Barrel Futurities of America World Championship in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
While no EHM cases have been reported in Kansas, state officials have contacted all known Kansas horse owners who attended either event. Those owners have been advised to isolate exposed horses for 14 days and closely monitor for symptoms. The virus’s incubation period can last up to two weeks, meaning a horse may appear healthy while still shedding the virus and potentially infecting others.
EHM is a serious neurologic disease caused by Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). It spreads through horse-to-horse contact via nasal discharge or inhaled droplets, and it can also be transmitted through contaminated surfaces including stalls, tack, feed, water sources, and transport trailers. Humans may inadvertently spread the virus through contaminated hands, clothing, and equipment.
Symptoms horse owners should watch for:
- Fever over 101.5°F
- Nasal discharge
- Lethargy
- Hind-end weakness
- Any signs of neurological issues
Animals showing neurological symptoms are considered to be in medical emergency status, and owners are urged to contact a veterinarian immediately.
KDA also reminds Kansans planning to travel with their horses to check current entry requirements for their destination state, as protocols may change quickly during disease outbreaks.
For ongoing updates, the Equine Disease Communication Center has established an online alert page tracking this outbreak and providing educational resources. The page is available at: equinediseasecc.org/alerts?alertID=4722
Horse owners with questions about quarantine guidance or possible EHM exposure can contact the KDA Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601.
Hutch Post has confirmed that two events, The Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo that was supposed to be held at the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane and the 8th Annual Mock NFR Barrel Race that was to be held at the Kansas State Fairgrounds this weekend has been cancelled as a precaution.