State veterinary officials in North Carolina are urging horse owners to monitor their animals for symptoms of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), a neurological disease linked to Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1). This comes after cases were confirmed on November 9 by the Texas Animal Health Commission and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. As of now, there are no confirmed cases in North Carolina.
State Veterinarian Dr. Mike Martin said the outbreak is still developing and its full extent is not yet known. He noted that symptoms in infected horses appear quickly, with rapid progression and high severity. Martin expressed concern about increasing reports of deaths among horses suspected of having EHM, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent further spread.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler addressed horse owners, veterinarians, and event organizers: “I encourage all horse owners, veterinarians and event organizers to take this current outbreak seriously and implement procedures to prevent further spread of the virus,” he said. “I encourage event sponsors to take all necessary precautions to prevent further spread of this virus and protect equine health. Given the nature of this virus and routes of transmission, and out of an abundance of caution, I strongly recommend canceling or postponing equine events if possible as the best method to protect horses from further exposure until such time as the extent of the current outbreak has been determined.”
All affected horses had attended large equestrian events earlier in November—the 2025 WPRA World Finals and Elite Barrel Race in Waco, Texas from November 5-9. Two confirmed cases in Oklahoma were also present at the BFA World Championship at Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma scheduled for November 17-22; this event was canceled after positive cases were identified.
Officials warn that some states may suspend extended Certificates of Veterinary Inspection or introduce new requirements for entry due to these outbreaks. Horse owners planning interstate travel are advised to check with individual states for updated regulations.
“These were large events attended by horses from many states,” Martin said. “Owners of horses that may have been exposed to horses with EHM should work with their veterinarian to establish appropriate biosecurity and monitoring protocols.”
Recommended protocols include isolating returning horses for at least three weeks; monitoring their temperature twice daily for two weeks; cleaning equipment thoroughly; practicing good hygiene; contacting a veterinarian if fever or other signs develop; working with potentially exposed horses last during chores; and using separate clothing when handling them.
EHV-1 mainly affects a horse’s respiratory system but can also cause severe neurological issues or death. Symptoms include fever, coughing, nasal discharge, loss of balance—and it spreads through body fluids between horses but does not affect humans.
“If you suspect your horse has been exposed to EHV-1 infection, contact your veterinarian,” Martin said. “We request that horses with confirmed EHM or that exhibit neurological signs are reported to the state veterinarian’s office at 919-707-3250.”
