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13/02/2026Urgent Alert for Horse Owners: San Antonio Rodeo Qualifier Cancelled Amid EHV-1 Outbreak
The equine community in Texas is currently on high alert following the cancellation of the Uvalde Rodeo Qualifier, a key event for the prestigious San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Officials took this drastic measure earlier this week to protect animal athletes from a growing outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus.
If you are a horse owner, trainer, or rodeo enthusiast, here is everything you need to know about the situation, the virus, and how to keep your horses safe.
The Cancellation: Safety First
The Uvalde Rodeo Qualifier was scheduled to run through this past Saturday, offering competitors a chance to secure a spot in the San Antonio Rodeo next February. However, in a joint decision by the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), the event was cancelled.
Chris Derby, Chief Marketing Officer for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, emphasized that the decision was purely precautionary. “None of the horses that have been infected with the disease ever made it to Uvalde,” Derby stated. “We did this as a precaution... with this cancellation, it was all about the safety of our animal athletes.”
The Source of the Outbreak
Veterinarians and state officials have linked the current surge in cases to the WPRA World Finals and Elite Barrel Race, which took place in Waco, Texas, from November 5–9, 2025. Following the event, several horses began showing symptoms, and the virus has since been detected in horses across multiple states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Tragically, veterinarians have confirmed that the outbreak has already claimed the lives of several horses. The strain circulating appears to be particularly aggressive, capable of causing Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), the severe neurological form of the disease.
Understanding EHV-1
Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a virus that affects horses worldwide, but outbreaks like this one are a serious concern due to the ease of transmission.
- How it Spreads: The virus spreads through direct horse-to-horse contact (nose-to-nose), but also indirectly through contaminated equipment (tack, feed buckets, water troughs) and even on the clothing and hands of humans.
- Symptoms: Common signs include respiratory issues (coughing, nasal discharge) and fever. In severe neurological cases (EHM), horses may exhibit a lack of coordination, lethargy, head tilting, and an inability to stand.
- Human Risk: It is important to note that EHV-1 does not pose a health risk to humans, but humans can easily act as carriers, spreading the virus from horse to horse.
Critical Advice for Horse Owners
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and local veterinarians, including Dr. Michael Martin and Dr. Semira Mancill, are urging owners to exercise extreme caution.
- Isolate: If your horse attended the Waco event or has been exposed to horses that did, isolate them immediately for at least 14 days.
- Monitor: Check your horse’s temperature twice daily. A fever (typically above 102.5°F) is often the first sign of infection.
- Biosecurity: Do not share tack, water buckets, or grooming supplies. Wash your hands thoroughly and change clothes between handling different horses.
- Limit Travel: Consider restricting travel and commingling with other horses until the outbreak is contained.
Looking Ahead
Despite the current challenges, officials remain optimistic about the main event in February. The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo expects to proceed as planned, provided the spread is contained. “I see no issues in February coming in,” Derby added. “But we will definitely keep track of it.”
Stay vigilant and keep your horses safe.
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